Waipā will share a touch of movie magic when costumes from the recent New Zealand film Ka Whawhai Tonu go on show at the Te Awamutu Museum from tomorrow.
A scene from Ka Whawhai Tonu
It’s the first time costumes from the historical drama, which stars Cliff Curtis and Temuera Morrison and retells the 1864 battle of Ōrākau Pā, will be showcased to the public.
Museums and heritage director Anne Blyth said it’s an honour to be the first museum to display the costumes and tell an important part of the history of Waipā.
Museum visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the story and events leading up to the siege at Ōrākau, one of the most infamous conflicts of the New Zealand Land Wars, through costumes and images from the film.
Ka Whawhai Tonu (Struggle Without End) features Cliff Curtis, left, as Wi Toka and Te Wakaunua Te Kurapa, right, as Te Whenuanui. Photo: Supplied.
The battle site is east of Kihikihi on Arapuni Rd. The Crown forces invaded Rangiaowhia and fought defenders of the Kīngitanga (Māori King movement), led by Ngāti Maniapoto chief Rewi Maniapoto, who is played by Morrison in the film. It was the final battle of the Crown’s invasion of the Waikato.
“The story is set in the 1860s and it inspires, confronts and challenges people’s historical knowledge around Aotearoa New Zealand Land Wars,” said Blyth.
The film was directed by Michael Jonathan and has centres on two teenagers whose lives are caught up in war and colonisation.
The exhibition will run until April 30, 2025.
Miriama Smith in the role of Hine-i-Tūrama. Photo: Supplied.
Kataraina Howden-Borrell plays Riro in Ka Whawhai Tonu. Photo: Supplied.
Ka Whawhai Tonu costume on show at Te Awamutu Museum
