Stephen Gibbs (Ngati Tamanuhiri, Ngati Rangiwaho, Rongowhakaata, Rongomaiwahine), Massey University
Toi Tamanuhiri – Hua Uri Kuri –Mana Moana, Mana Whenua, Mana Tangata
As a prelude to my research, the first part of my process was the curation of a series of Iwi based exhibitions that were held at Tairawhiti Museum - Gisborne, Verve Café - Gisborne and Ngai Tamanuhiri Marae in Muriwai south of Gisborne, over the period of December 2013 – March 2014.
The curation process involved the establishment of an Iwi taonga data base and an Iwi artist’s database. This lead to establishing networks with a number of national and international museums and associated agencies. Other curatorial project’s followed. These included ‘Rangiwaho – Ihu Ki Te Moana’ an iwi collaborative project that I designed and curated, for the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, England (2018) and ‘Tū te Whaihanga – an acknowledgement of creative genius. Tairawhiti Museum (2019), where I was co-curator with Eloise Wallace and exhibition designer.