The Tamakimakaurau Claims I

With this exuberant work, Emily Karaka implores that the history of her iwi (tribe), Ngāi Tai, and all other iwi of Auckland, not be forgotten.

Two particular elements give clues to these underlying themes. The numbers ‘357’ and ‘423’ refer to claims made by the Ngāi Tai iwi to the Waitangi Tribunal, seeking redress for Crown breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi. Karaka worked to advance these claims.

With her expressive, vibrant technique, Karaka makes a powerful call to the Crown to protect the iwi’s environment and rights.