The New Zealand Wars Ngā Pakanga o Aotearoa were major events in our history, and their impact continues today. From the early days of the film industry, filmmakers recognised their national significance – and their dramatic potential – from Hōne Heke Pōkai’s flagpole-chopping to Riwha Tītokowaru’s decoy-and-ambush strategies.

The Wars are a compelling but contested subject. Māori and Pākehā often remember them differently, and with varying emotions. Many iwi have their own kōrero about the wars that affected them.

This exhibition explores two stories. First, the films reflect a century in which perspectives on the Wars and colonisation in Aotearoa New Zealand underwent enormous change. Each generation of filmmakers brought new attitudes and historical knowledge. The films reflect these changes in perspective but also made their own contributions to changing public attitudes towards the past.

Our second story shows how film is a location based and a collaborative art. The need for locations meant the involvement of mana whenua. While directors were mostly Pākehā men, tangata whenua participated as actors, advisors, iwi consultants and crew – and later as directors and producers.

From the earliest films, Māori took their opportunities to shape stories about tūpuna and historical events, and to develop Māori screen performance and film-making skills. Now, they continue to look for ways to initiate and create their own stories.

This exhibition is called ‘He Riri Awatea’, a battle in the daylight. The title gestures to cinema’s primary element - light - but also proposes a ‘fresh take’ on the New Zealand Wars, and the ‘history of their histories’ on screens of many kinds.

Curated by Annabel Cooper and Ariana Tikao (Kāi Tahu)