10 September — 18 October 2026

Kiara Schaumkell and Aliyah Edwards:
Tiaki

The Arts House Trust Summer Intern Programme 2026

These esoteric beings are our way of presenting the wairua (spirit) of the awa (River). Showcasing both taniwha and tuna (eels): the corporeal representation of the taniwha. Both are kaitiaki (guardians) of the natural world, and are important expressions of Pūrākau (myths).

Aliyah Edwards, Whīwhiwhi (Tangled), 2026. Textile and Beads. Image courtesy of the artist.

Tiaki is a space abundant with soft sculptures representing the living embodiment of kaitiaki, providing comfort and protection for all those who encounter them. They serve as messengers between the deceased and the spirit realms of ngā atua (the gods). Kaitiakitanga has evolved into a metaphor for caring for the natural world and the animals that inhabit it. This concept is closely intertwined with whakapapa, which places emphasis on the networks of relationships among humans, animals, and the natural environment.

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