Te Pātaka Kōrero Heritage Gallery at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, will close on Monday for a period of three weeks to allow staff to carry out important maintenance works.

Manager Collections and Research Mark Sykes says the temporary closure of Te Pātaka Kōrero will dovetail with the closing of Whakatāne Galleries current exhibition.

“The highly acclaimed Thou Shalt Not exhibition by Tame Iti comes to a close this Saturday at 2pm. Following this, while the exhibition team works behind the scenes in the Brookfields, Sheaff and Whakatāne Community Board Galleries preparing for the opening of the 2024 Molly Morpeth Canaday Awards, Te Pātaka Kōrero will also close for a short while.”

While Te Pātaka Kōrero is closed, a lighting system will be installed, and staff will undertake a conservation audit on the collection.

“The new lighting system aims to further protect the taonga on display by lessening any light damage and improve overall visitor experience, while staff will also use the opportunity to carry out important conservation work on items within the collection.”

Mark continues, “Taonga will be put to rest with karakia to protect their mauri and make it a safe space for our kaimahi to work during this time. He adds, “Following this, our team will begin the process of deinstalling, cleaning, and carrying out conservation work on the taonga, as well as refreshing some of the displays.”

“As kaitaiki of the precious taonga in our care, some items in the heritage collection will be returned to Te Whare Taonga o Taketake to rest, or for more thorough examination and maintenance.” 

During the closure a mini exhibition of taonga will be on display in a pop-up exhibition at Te Whare Taonga o Taketake – Whakatāne Museum and Collections Centre. Members of the public are encouraged to visit.

Te Pātaka Kōrero Heritage Gallery, and the additional three galleries within Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi, will re-open on Saturday, 17 February in time to welcome guests to the Molly Morpeth Canaday Awards.

ENDS 

For more information, please contact: media@whakatane.govt.nz