Waihōpai Rūnaka is working with the council on behalf of Kāi Tahu Kā Rūnaka ki Murihiku, which comprises Awarua, Waihōpai, Ōraka-Aparima and Hokonui Rūnaka, to develop the experience within the museum, according to a statement yesterday from the Invercargill City Council.
Two workshops have been held by Kā Runaka alongside the council team, to determine kaupapa to guide exhibition development.
Waihōpai Rūnaka chairman Cyril Gilroy said it was an exciting opportunity to share tribal stories with the wider Murihiku community.
"Sadly, museums have often misrepresented Māori historically, telling personal stories without the involvement of mana whenua.
"In Murihiku, this changes with Te Unua.
"We’re pleased to bring together our own cultural narratives and share them with our communities and visitors."
Te Unua Museum of Southland museum director Eloise Wallace said it was crucial to work closely with mana whenua.
"Ensuring the stories of mana whenua are celebrated within Te Unua Museum of Southland is extremely important in developing the experience for visitors to our facility," she said.
"The abundance of stories and history found here in Murihiku are unlike those found anywhere else in the world.
"Exploring these not only offers visitors to Te Unua Museum of Southland a deeper insight into what makes this part of Aotearoa so special, but also plays a role in preserving this legacy for everybody in our community - from tangata whenua to tauiwi - for generations.
"We are really grateful to Kā Rūnaka for being willing to share their stories and taoka with our community.
"It is a privilege we do not take lightly, and our team feels a deep sense of responsibility in sharing this rich cultural experience as an integral pou within our facility," Ms Wallace said.
Mr Gilroy said a series of wānaka were being held with cultural and subject matter experts.
Mana whenua would then work with the experience design team to craft immersive displays using the latest audiovisual technology.
"They will go beyond our migration stories and broader Kāi Tahu history to include rich pūrakau unique to Murihiku. This will be the only museum in the country sharing these stories.
"At Murihiku Marae, we are excited to share pūrakau about our surrounding mountains and waterways.
"One example is the toheroa, or surf clam, found on Ōreti Beach."
Te Unua Museum of Southland team leader experience David Dudfield said he was thrilled to begin exploring pūrakau with mana whenua.
"There are few places within Aotearoa that have a history as rich as Murihiku and Te Ara a Kiwa [Foveaux Strait]," he said.
"Our team is looking forward to collaborating with mana whenua, in partnership with our experience designers Gibson International, to share their stories with
visitors from around the world."
Cyril Gilroy said his vision for the museum was a space where all cultures and communities were represented.
— APL
