When: Monday 1 September 2025
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm  
Where: Pacific Cultures Gallery, South Australian Museum

The public is invited to join this discussion (kōrero) that will mark the historic return of two ancestral pou (carved panels) from the South Australian Museum to Aotearoa (New Zealand). The conversation will be led by visiting community representatives of Tamatea Pōkai Whenua (TPW), the mandated iwi authority for Heretaunga Tamatea (district of Hastings and Central Hawke’s Bay):

- Rose Mohi, great-great-granddaughter of Karaitiana Takamoana‍

- Pōhatu Paku, Chair of TPW and descendant of Karaitiana Takamoana

- Dr Darryn Russell, Chief Executive of TPW

Together they will reflect on the cultural heritage of the Māori meeting house, Te Whare o Heretaunga; the journeys of its carvings around the world, and what it means to reclaim and restore taonga after more than 130 years abroad.

The discussion will be chaired by Anna Russo, Aboriginal Heritage and Repatriation Manager, South Australian Museum.

Discussion panel

Rose Mohi (Ngāti Hinemanu, Ngāti Mahuika, Te Aranga Marae) is the great-great-granddaughter of Karaitiana Takamoana, the rangatira (chief) who commissioned Te Whare o Heretaunga in the 1870s. Over many years, she has travelled across Aotearoa (New Zealand) and internationallyto locate and research taonga (treasures) connected to her tīpuna (ancestors). Her dedication has been instrumental in confirming the whakapapa (genealogy)and cultural identity of the whakairo (carvings), laying the foundation for their return home.

Pōhatu Paku (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ruahāpia Marae) is the Chair of Tamatea Pōkai Whenua, the post‑settlement governance entity mandated to serve 23 marae (meeting houses) across the Heretaunga Tamatea region. A direct descendant of Karaitiana Takamoana, Pōhatu Paku plays a key role in tribal leadership and cultural advocacy across Heretaunga Tamatea. His role in the repatriation of the pou (carved panels) from Te Whare o Heretaunga reflects his deep commitment to whakapapa (genealogy), kaitiakitanga (guardianship), and the return of ancestral taonga (treasures) to their rightful home.

Dr Darryn Russell (Ngāi Tahu, Ōtākou Marae) is the Chief Executive of Tamatea Pōkai Whenua. Formerly Assistant Vice-Chancellor Māori, Pacific and Equity at the University of Canterbury, Darryn has held senior roles across education, iwi (tribal), and public governance. His leadership style is grounded in resilience and kaupapa Māori (Māori values). As CE of TPW, he is responsible for guiding the return of taonga (treasures) from Te Whare o Heretaunga and upholding the cultural, political, and intergenerational aspirations of Heretaunga Tamatea.