What are the protests that have touched your life?
In this talk, curators Stephanie Gibson and Matariki Williams give you a sneak peek at Protest Tautohetohe, their illustrated history of activism in Aotearoa New Zealand, before its official release. They’ll explore the many ways New Zealanders have spoken up for change, from wearing a nuclear-free badge to marching against the Springbok Tour.
Stephanie and Matariki share collection items connected to protest, and discuss our diverse history of mobilising for causes, from opposing the New Zealand Wars and agitating for women’s rights, to protecting the environment. We Kiwis are surprisingly outspoken for such a small, peaceful democracy!
Over refreshments, reflect on 250 years of resistance, what’s important to us today – and where we’re heading next.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase with a Friends of Te Papa discount.
Stephanie Gibson is Curator NZ Histories and Cultures at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. She researches the material and visual culture of protest, conflict and reform, as well as everyday life in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her continuing museological research focuses on museums and community participation.
Matariki WIlliams (Tūhoe, Te Atiawa, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Hauiti) is Curator Mātauranga Māori at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. She has a broad interest in the intersections within te ao Māori and how this contributes to a diverse contemporary Māori society.
Victoria University of Wellington tribute wall, Wellington, 22 March 2019. Photograph by Michael O’Neill. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (CA001228/001/0001).
This is a nuclear-free zone, August 1983. By John Miller. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (O.004317/A-C).
Banner image credit: ‘We the People’ flags, January 2017. Made by Jess Beauchamp. Gift of Jess Beauchamp, 2017. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (GH025309).