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We have started looking for an innovative curator to shape the first, mission-defining exhibition for our planned bicultural peace and reconciliation centre in Taranaki.

This person will have the opportunity to literally create a piece of New Zealand history inside Te Whare Hononga (The House That Binds) which will be one of the central pillars of our $15 million redevelopment project at St Mary’s.

A site-wide exhibition will tell the stories of the church’s relationship with local iwi. Importantly, the narratives won’t shy away from difficult questions and the less comfortable interactions that occurred during colonisation and the Taranaki Land Wars.

“It’s only by fully acknowledging the past that we can hope to move forward. Right now we’re looking for the right creative storyteller who can shape an exhibition that stimulates conversation, reflection and reconciliation,” says Taranaki Cathedral leader Jay Ruka (Te Āti Awa).

While located on the grounds of Taranaki Cathedral, Te Whare Hononga is expected to draw visitors from around New Zealand and (once normal international travel resumes) the world.

“This is an internationally significant project. The stories told will be local to Taranaki, but the grand narrative, the questions asked, and the emotions elicited and examined, will be universal,” says Jay.

As well as a curator to lead the development of the first exhibition, we are also searching for researchers, cultural advisors, te reo translators and of course an exhibition builder with the skills to bring the curator’s vision to life

 Exhibition funding has been secured and we would like a curator in place by June.

Expressions of interest for curatorial services and a number of other roles (including researchers, cultural advisors, te reo translators and an exhibition builder to bring the ideas to life) are open now. For a copy of the EOI document or further information contact our Cathedral Remediation and Design Manager Jenny Goddard at jenny@taranakicathedral.org.nz.