Me Anga Whakamua : Facing the Future

This book brings together exquisite photography from Whangarei's Tuia 250 celebrations and the thoughts and aspirations of tangata whenua. The exhibition included traditional whakairo, raranga as well as videography, photography, prints, pottery and jewellery.

Themes explored include the impact of the first encounters between Maori and Europeans through three essays by Tohunga Whakairo - Te Warihi Hetaraka, Professor Alison Jones and a voice of the next generation - Justice Hetaraka.

The question of where does Aotearoa sit with the past and how do we move forward is explored through raw and revealing interviews with tangata whenua at the time of Tuia 250.

Emotive portraits were made as subjects reflected on the past and their hopes for the future. This is a window into everyday lives of Maori looking back to the past to form a pathway to a shared future.

Janet Hetaraka has brought her lifetime's experience in journalism, mediation, project delivery and bright ideas to this most honourable project. Janet is hopeful the call for whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and kotahitanga emanating from the pages of this book is heard around the World as we face the future together.

Diane Stoppard uses her passion for photography, storytelling and interactive art experiences to support equality, inclusion and collaboration within her community. She recently published The Light is Inconsolable, a limited edition fine art and is the project leader for Whangareis Camera Obscura Sculpture.