Ruruku: An exhibition by Hauteruruku ki Puketeraki waka club

This autumn, the foyer of the Hocken Collections will be transformed into a space of movement, memory and mauri with the opening of Ruruku, a powerful new exhibition by Hauteruruku ki Puketeraki waka club.

At the heart of Ruruku is Kuramātakitaki, a stunning double-hulled costal voyaging waka tuarua. Though the waka reflects traditional design values, Kuramātakitaki has been brought to life using contemporary materials and techniques by members of the club, merging old with new, whakapapa with innovation.

Waka are not just vessels for travel, they are carriers of mātauraka and pūrākau. They brought our people to these shores, and they continue to carry the stories, skills and wisdom that have enabled us to thrive.

Alongside the Kuramātakitaki waka, Ruruku exhibition includes taoka of personal and cultural significance and will feature the mahi of local weavers, some of whom will be present during the exhibition period. 

Hauteruruku ki Puketeraki is a whānau-based waka club based in Karitāne. Their kaupapa includes voyaging by waka unua, waka ama and stand-up paddle boards, honouring the taiao through shared knowledge and connection.

“We hope visitors feel like they’re part of something living,” says Suzi Flack, founding member of the club.

“Whether you’ve paddled with us before or are coming for the first time, Ruruku is a place to reconnect.”

To compliment the exhibition, Hocken has organised a rich programme of guided tours, workshops and talks celebrating the enduring relationship between people and the waters that sustain them.

Exhibition Details
Open to the public: Saturday 24 May
Venue: Uare Taoka o Hākena, Hocken Gallery & Foyer, 90 Anzac Avenue, Ōtepoti
Hours: 10am–5pm, Tuesday to Saturday
Admission: Free | All welcome

For more information
[email protected] | [email protected]
03 479 8868