Tīpurepure ‘Au Vaine

Tīpurepure ‘Au Vaine is a tīvaivai collective that has gathered every Thursday in Porirua since 2019. Rooted in a proud lineage of Cook Islands va’inetini (women’s groups) and au va’ine (women’s guilds), Tīpurepure ‘Au Vaine come together to sustain, celebrate, and evolve the practice of tīvaivai. Their weekly gatherings also emphasise the important social role of tīvaivai. In addition to being a treasured Cook Islands artform, tīvaeivai is also a social practice. Through making, Tīpurepure ‘Au Vaine nurtures language, kinship and culture, creating a space for Cook Islands identity to thrive in Aotearoa.

This exhibition honours both the artistry and social importance of tīvaivai and Tīpurepure ‘Au Vaine. Conceived as a living, breathing space, the gallery will host a rotating display of tīvaeivai made by Tīpurepure over four months. For one day each week, members of Tīpurepure will work on-site, transforming the gallery into a communal making space and offering audiences an open invitation to observe, learn, and connect. Alongside new works, tīvaivai selected from public collections will also be shown — reconnecting makers with historical patterns, techniques, and the stories stitched into every piece.

The exhibition follows a collection visit to Te Papa Tongarewa and a recent pop-up show at Begonia House (March 2025), curated by Tehani Buchanan with support from Wellington City Council and Enjoy Contemporary Art Space.

Featuring Upokoina O Teariki Puia Aerengamate Tekeu, Teremoana Maua-Hodges, Te Tua O Te Rai Akaiti Eitiare-Samuel, Reuera Vaerua, Kura Maeva Hakirere Edwards, Margaret Ngametua Thompson, Teremoana Ngatoro, Mosie Maoate, Mata Tereata State-Blandy, Portia Tiare McQueen, Tehani Buchanan, Noopai Burns, Toni Rasmussen, and Turaarii Ngatupunga.

Co-curated by Tehani Buchanan and Pātaka. Supported by the Pacifica Arts Centre.

Image: Te Tua o Te Rai Akaiti Samuel, Moara’ora’o (Peacock), 2023. Photo: Cheska Brown.