Series Classification: G (General Programmes)
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Episode 4: Moving the Kākahu
Since the project started in 2013 with Phase 1, over 5,400 taonga made from wood and stone passed through the project team’s caring hands. In Phase 2, from 2017 to 2019, the Museum worked through another 5,000+ textiles and items woven from plant materials.
New floating storage solution for kete kiwi (kiwi feather bags) to prevent damage to the fragile feathers. Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
Over the course of the project, each collection item was processed by a specialist team. This mahi included:
- Enriching collection database records
- Appropriately describing taonga using suitable terms, techniques and materials
- Correcting and standardising terminology and classifications
- Cleaning and stabilising taonga to prevent future deterioration
- Capturing high-resolution images
- Improving storage to be safe and accessible
Part of Te Awe’s mission was to improve the storage of the taonga to ensure they are preserved for future generations. The team went to incredible lengths to move these taonga to their new specially built storage on-site.
Auckland Museum staff carefully moving fragile kakahu (cloaks) to their new basement home through a purpose built tunnel to prevent damage from dust during recent construction work. Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
This series documents the story of the Museum’s ground breaking efforts to bring the communities to whom these items belong into the knowledge-sharing space, to impart their knowledge and to learn from them, and to work together to preserve the important teachings these precious taonga can provide for future generations.
Close up magnified shot of refined weaving on a taniko (finger woven) border. Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
Moving the first cloak to the new storage area. Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
Hikitia Harawira viewing the whāriki (mat) rack. Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
Removing the window frame in preparation to lower the cloaks from the old storage area for transportation to the new storage. Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
Lowering one of the many cloak trays to transport to the new storage. Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
Sliding the first cloak tray into new purpose built cloak storage. Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
Chalie Charlick and Karin Konold measuring cloak draws. Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
Jami Williams, Rangi Te Kanawa, Kahutoi Te Kanawa, Christina Wirihana, Awhina Tamarapa, Matekino Lawless, Lisa McKendry and Dr Maureen Lander viewing cloaks and rāpaki (waist garment). Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
Taumata Māreikura with Auckland Museum staff. Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
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Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum Photo: Auckland War Memorial Museum
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