- By Sally French
Ten of our local community’s most well-known women are being celebrated in Arts Out East’s latest exhibition, Tales of our Wāhine.
Through storytelling and portraits, the exhibition celebrates female leaders and change-makers who have left an indelible mark on society, culture, and their communities.
Arts Out East has worked closely with the women, drawing out their stories and portraits to acknowledge their huge contribution.
These women have shared knowledge, nurtured skills and championed causes dear to their hearts while giving generously of their time and expertise.
Former police officer, and Howick Local Board member Adele White is one of the wāhine featured.
She said she was “humbled” to be included in the celebration and that she was made to feel very comfortable by photographer Bel Butler during the shoot.
Kuia and Kaitiaki Taini Drummond, supported by whanau at the exhibition opening, was very bashful about her photograph, using humour to brush off praise of her portrait and the short biography written about her by Natasha Bidesi.
The free exhibition, situated in the Observatory at Botany Town Centre, was officially opened with waiata and blessings on July 18.
This project is supported by Te Tuhi, Botany Town Centre and Howick Local Board.
Women featured: Taini Drummond (O Wairoa Marae), Hope Milo, Yongrahn Park (Korean Positive Aging Charitable Trust), Claudia Robin Gunn, Katie-Rose Ruana Pemberton, Toni Mosley, Carla Ruka, Adele White, Dr Fahima Saied (New Settlers Family and Community Trust) and Cecilia Ma.
