Whanganui Regional Museum is pleased to present He Kete Iti, a collaborative exhibition featuring 101 contemporary kete iti (small woven baskets) created by 32 weavers from across Aotearoa. Developed and toured by the Govett‑Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre, the exhibition of new works is presented in harmony with selected historical kete iti from the Museum’s collection.

Led by renowned multimedia artist Dr Maureen Lander MNZM (Ngāpuhi, Te Hikutū), and co‑curated with Taarati Taiaroa (Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Apa) the exhibition brings together weavers of varying experience to explore and respond to kete iti held in museum collections. In 2024, Lander worked with groups from Te Tai Tokerau, Tāmaki Makaurau, Ngāmotu and Whanganui, encouraging participants to study historic examples and draw inspiration from the innovation and skill of earlier generations. The works were first presented in 2025 as part of He Tukutuku Auahatanga: Maureen Lander with Community at Govett‑Brewster Art Gallery.

Now, He Kete Iti celebrates the creativity of Māori weaving traditions and honours the influence of the Māori Women’s Welfare League and renowned weaving leaders Rangimarie Hetet and Diggeress Te Kanawa, whose work helped revive weaving and cloak-making practices in the twentieth century. Its presentation in Whanganui includes kete iti from the Museum’s own collection, reconnecting artists with some of the works that informed their practice.

The result is a large-scale installation of newly created kete iti suspended above pieces from the Museum’s collection, connecting contemporary practice with historical forms. Materials and techniques include kete muka, made from prepared harakeke fibre, and kete houhere, woven from the inner bark of the houhere tree.

Interpretive displays provide insight into the materials, processes and research behind the project.

Whanganui marks the first stop in the exhibition’s national tour, connecting local audiences to a shared kaupapa that spans generations, institutions and communities.

Co‑curator Taarati Taiaroa says it is important for the exhibition to be showcased in Whanganui at the Regional Museum which holds a significant and playful collection of kete iti.

‘Whanganui weavers Karanga Gundersen, Aroha Ranginui, Nadia Tamihana, Purewa Hodge and Matthew McIntrye Wilson contributed to this kaupapa. It is a privilege to be able to work with the Whanganui Regional Museum to be able to present this project in their hometown and reunite their kete with the museum collection that inspired them.’

Trish Nugent-Lyne, Acting Director/Pou Ārahi of Whanganui Regional Museum, says the exhibition is a wonderful fusion of historic and contemporary weaving. ‘Tradition, artistry and imagination are woven together in this remarkable exhibition. We’re pleased to share this inspired work with our community.’

He Kete Iti is open daily from 10am to 4.30pm until 20 July at Whanganui Regional Museum, Pukenamu Queen’s Park, Watt Street. Entry is free, with koha (donations) gratefully accepted to support the Museum’s work.



Exhibition Details

He Kete Iti
18 April 2026 – 20 July 2026
Curators: Maureen Lander and Taarati Taiaroa
Developed and toured by the Govett‑Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre
Open daily 10am-4.30pm at Whanganui Regional Museum, Pukenamu Queens Park, Watt Street, Whanganui. Admission is free.