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President’s column – November 2019

President’s column – November 2019

Tēnā koutou, Ngā mihi

Throughout history, voicing protest against government action or inaction has remained common for all societies. Fifty years ago 15 million protestors across America were demonstrating against their country’s involvement in the Vietnam War. The previous year, what began as a student protest in the town of Nanterre, soon spread to the Sorbonne in Paris then turned into two-months of civil unrest across France, involving 11 million workers. In New Zealand today, students and workers are marching to demand stronger government action to combat climate change. It is very timely that Te Papa curators Stephanie Gibson, Matariki Williams and Puawai Cairns have produced a new book, Protest Tautohetohe: Objects of Resistance, Persistence and Defiance, that explores the many ways New Zealanders have spoken up for change.

In December, the Friends are looking forward to Te Papa’s summer exhibition, Wonderland. Developed by the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Wonderland will be a magical immersive experience down the rabbit hole, or through the looking glass, into the curious, enchanted world of Alice. Make sure to diary Friday 6 December and join us for the Friends Preview from 2-5 pm.

Meanwhile, make sure you catch the special temporary exhibition showing some of Colin McCahon’s most significant works, to mark the centenary of the artist’s birth. In late October the Friends enjoyed a fascinating talk by Peter Simpson, highlighting how McCahon’s 1958 visit to America impacted on his work.

Coming up we have a very special gallery visit to see Here: Kupe to Cook with Michael Tuffery, and the return of our fabulous Christmas shopping night. And looking out to 2020, watch out for the call to register your interest in the Friends very special visit to Gisborne Tairāwhiti late next year. To fit in with Gisborne flight times, this will be a full four-day tour, from Thursday 29 October to Sunday 1 November. So, be sure to register your interest, as our Friends tours always fill up fast.

Nāku noa, nā
Elizabeth Kay