June Feature: Te Mata o Hoturoa

Join Kaihāpai Taonga Māori/Curator Taonga Māori Eruera Rerekura for the next Taonga o te Marama/Object of the Month talk as he explores the story of Te Mata o Hoturoa, the largest surviving waka taua (war canoe) in the Whanganui region.

This fascinating kōrero will trace the journey of the great waka from the forests near Kākahi and the Whanganui River, through periods of conflict and kaitiakitanga, to its place at Whanganui Regional Museum today. Learn about the histories, people and cultural significance connected to one of the Museum’s most important taonga.

The talk coincides with the arrival of Whakaura, a replica waka hourua on loan from the National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, as part of the Museum’s Puanga (Matariki) 2026 celebrations.

Taonga o te Marama/Object of the Month is a free 15-minute lunchtime talk held on the third Friday of each month. Visitors meet in the Museum atrium before viewing the featured object in the gallery.

Everyone is welcome. No need to book. 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!