The Aigantighe Art Gallery is proud to present Aoraki Tangata Whenua, an exhibition of Southern Alps landscapes from the gallery’s permanent collection, opening  June 14 2025.

Curated by Exhibitions Curator Isobel Hillman, in consultation with local hapū, this exhibition reflects the deep connections between land, identity, and whakapapa.

“This exhibition is about more than just depicting a mountain range — it’s about recognising Aoraki as tūpuna, as living ancestor,” Isobel said.

“It’s a privilege to work alongside mana whenua to reframe how we see these taonga — not just as scenic views, but as embodiments of identity, belonging, and kaitiakitanga.”

Featuring a selection of paintings, prints and works on paper that capture the majesty of Aoraki and surrounding whenua through diverse artistic lenses.

“This exhibition is anchored by two moving image works on loan from the Ngāi Tahu Archive,” she said.

“These films bring a powerful contemporary perspective to the show, sharing iwi narratives and ancestral connections to the landscape that pre-date colonisation by centuries”

Aoraki Tangata Whenua invites visitors to consider how landscapes can hold memory, story, and whakapapa — and how museums and galleries can honour that legacy by working in partnership with local iwi and hapū.