This week we began mapping out the exhibition schedule beyond 2016. In previous columns I've talked about the pace and variety that contribute to a good visitor experience and this is something that will continue to improve as we get ahead with our exhibition planning. As exhibitions change, we have the opportunity to rethink the concepts, storylines, design and labelling. It is also an opportunity to display collection treasures that have rarely or never been seen.
The next major change at MTG is the taonga gallery, with our new exhibition Tenei Tonu which will open in August. This exhibition looks at the connection to place for local hapu and iwi and is a story of their ongoing relationship with land, mountains, rivers and sea. Our curator Maori, Tryphena Cracknell, has worked closely with relevant groups to develop the exhibition content and ensure we are telling stories with an authentic voice.
Yesterday the team took me through the layout design for the gallery and I was delighted with the fresh and open approach they have taken. I believe it nicely blends traditional and contemporary styles, which we hope will make it a visually interesting gallery for our visitors. In response to requests from our Maori community, we are bringing the four Ngati Parau poutokomanawa (carved ancestral figures) to prominence at the entrance to the exhibition. The new layout is designed to encourage visitors to move throughout the gallery space and view all the taonga. We are also reviewing the content of labels to ensure they are easily understood by all visitors in both English and Maori.
The Hawke's Bay Museums Trust Ruawharo Ta-u-rangi has a significant and stunning collection of taonga. Changing this exhibition is an opportunity to bring out some different treasures and tell new stories, all of which speak to the ongoing association between tangata whenua and place. Included in the display will be contemporary works by local artists Jacob Scott and Emmanuel Dunn.
Many of the objects going into Tenei Tonu are new to display, or will be presented in a new way. The waka, which was set up high on the wall for decades, is included in this exhibition but will be displayed so that visitors can look into it and will be surrounded by hoe (paddles). The waka is a much loved piece from the collection but there are conflicting stories about its provenance. What we do know is that it came into the collection as a gift from Mrs Mackie in 1953 - which, for those who are interested on the eve of the Queen's Birthday long weekend - was the same year Queen Elizabeth visited Hawke's Bay.