Opening Ceremony of Toi Maori: The Eternal Thread

Thursday 15 February, 6.00 pm, Christchurch Art Galler

Tena hoki kia tatau te huka ora. Kai te tuku atu te Reo pohiri i tenei wa. Nau mai, Haere mai, Tauti mai hoki koutou ma. (Greetings to all who are here in mind and spirit. I extend outwards the voice of welcome to one and all. Welcome, Welcome, Welcome to you all who come in peace.)

His Excellency Ambassador Bill McCormick, Honorable Nanaia Mahuta, Members of Parliament, Waana Davis, Upoko Rik Tau, fellow Councillors, International guests, ladies and gentlemen - tena koutou katoa:

Today is the beginning of the end of a fabulous Trans-Pacific journey and it is with great honour that I am able to welcome home to Christchurch "Toi Maori, The Eternal Thread - Te Aho Mutunga Kore.

I am especially proud that this exhibition is on show here in our city's modern home of art. Without the hard work and connections of Ngai Tahu and our Sister City of Seattle, working alongside Toi Maori Aotearoa, Pataki Museum of Arts and Cultures, Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa (the Maori weavers collective) and Te Waka Toi (the Maori Arts Board of Creative New Zealand) this exhibition would not have so easily travelled from New Zealand to the United States of America and back.

The links established through the journey of this exhibition have enlightened people in cultural history and understanding.

This evening I especially welcome all the visitors to our city who have come to be part of this special home-coming. Thank you all for being part of the final stages of the journey, but also for the care, attention and support you have given this exhibition and the artists who have travelled with it as it has travelled around New Zealand and to the United States of America.

I would like to take this moment to acknowledge the work of Ranui Ngarimu who has worked tirelessly to ensure this home-coming exhibition is so well supported by international artists and art lovers. Ranui and her people have also ensured hospitality and accommodation to many of those who have come to visit. Kia Ora Ranui and your support team.

Ladies and Gentlemen, while visiting Toi Maori: The Eternal Thread over the next few months, please take time to attend the supporting activities that are part of this exhibition. If you are a visitor to our city, I wish you a very enjoyable stay.

Please take time to explore and enjoy the unique things that are part of our home.

Kia Ora.

ENDS