Me Anga Whakamua – Facing the Future is a poignant and evocative exhibition that weaves together striking portraits and heartfelt testimonies of tāngata whenua, delving into the profound impact of the first encounters between Māori and Europeans in Aotearoa. 

Commissioned for the Tuia 250 commemorations in 2019, this collection reflects on the enduring legacy of those encounters, as seen through the lens of Northland photographer Diane Stoppard. Her powerful portraits capture moments of introspection as her subjects share deeply personal whānau stories, reflecting on the past while envisioning a shared future. The exhibition offers a moving tribute to dual heritage, a celebration of resilience, and an invitation to forge pathways of unity.