The closing of Te Heke Whakangā was a proud moment on Sunday, with Pouwhakahaere Shane Graham saying the ceremony was “very moving”.

“This fantastic exhibition extolling the stories of Ngāti Rārua carried incredibly strong mauri.

“More than 7,500 people came through the gallery, with Rārua whānau from around the motu visiting, as well as a large number of the public.

“And each one of those visitors left more empowered by the knowledge they had gained, by the information and understanding of whakapapa, the stories and the people of Ngāti Rārua ki Wairau. It was a beautiful celebration of who we are.

“We must acknowledge and thank everyone who contributed to this event, all the whānau who shared stories and items with us, the Tokomaru Research Centre kaimahi, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua,  and gallery and library staff, the volunteers and guides, our funders and partners - so many people contributed to this success and we thank you all."

For now the exhibition will pause, but we hope to take it to the rest of Te Tauihu in the near future.