February Feature: Te Koanga o Rehua – Canoe Cenotaph

Standing tall in the museum atrium, Te Koanga o Rehua is one of the first taonga to greet visitors as they enter the Whanganui Regional Museum. More than a striking presence, this waka whakamaumahara carries a powerful story of memory, loss, persistence, and return.

Originally created to honour the rangatira Te Mahutu of Pīpīriki, Te Koanga o Rehua once stood as a memorial along the Whanganui River. After being taken during the conflicts of the 1860s, it spent more than a century away from home and remained in storage for decades.

After more than 50 years of patient negotiation led by Whanganui River elders, Te Koanga o Rehua finally returned home in 2023. Join Kaihāpai Taonga Māori, Curator Taonga Māori Eruera Rerekura, for this Taonga of the Month kōrero, exploring the history of this remarkable taonga and what its return means for memory, identity, and place.

Everyone is welcome. No need to book. Meet in the Museum’s Atrium. Admission is free. Koha for the Museum is always appreciated.

Every month, discover a different object, meet the curators, and hear the stories that bring our collections to life!