Talanoa a dynamic weekend of storytelling, discussion and cultural celebration

NPDC’s Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is hosting a dynamic weekend of storytelling, discussion and cultural celebration 25-27 April as part of its Lalaga:Te Hui Fono series.

This three-day event is a powerful Talanoa - which in the Pacific is an in-depth conversation or dialogue. The Talanoa has been created in collaboration with Pacific artists, youth ambassadors and community leaders. It will feature a series of intimate and interactive sessions that explore how art, cultural practice, and collective dreaming can shape a vibrant future for Pasifika people in Taranaki and beyond.

“Lalaga means ‘to weave together’ or ‘woven’,” says Dr Zara Stanhope, Gallery Director.

“The Talanoa sessions are a dynamic extension of our current exhibition, Lalaga: Le Hui Fono, weaving together the exhibition artists and our community, aiming to deepen connections through interactive and immersive public experience.”

The current exhibition Lalaga: Le Hui Fono, open until 11 May, features new artworks created in the gallery alongside significant historical pieces, encouraging intergenerational storytelling and cultural experiences.

The Talanoa sessions are designed to honour and expand this, while developing connections nurtured through the project, using film, movement, music, visual expression, kai/food, and kōrero/conversation.

“Lalaga: Le Hui Fono is a vital long-term initiative designed to deepen relationships between the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa creatives,” says Lleah Smith, the Gallery’s Public Programs and Learning Lead.

“This programme fosters collaboration, mutual support, and cultural exchange, making it essential for anyone interested in supporting and celebrating Pasifika art and culture,"
Highlights of the weekend include artist presentations and responses, interactive workshops, youth and community-led dialogue, curatorial discussions on Pacific art practices, community cooking sessions and shared kai.

There will be different theme each day with day one centred on laying the foundation with reflection, film and artist-led conversation. On day two share stories, food and creative visions for future collaboration before the final day which looks at building lasting connections through storytelling, art and collective discussion.

Guided by Pacific Public Programme Coordinator Theresa Tongi, Pacific Curator at Large Ruha Fifita, and the Gallery’s Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Advisory Group, Lalaga: Le Hui Fono is a space to gather, reflect, create and grow.

Visit govettbrewster.com to find out more.

FAST FACTS

• Talanoa Series | Lalaga: Le Hui Fono Friday 25 – Sunday 27 April 2025 10:00am – 5pm daily
• Free Admission apart from, the Talanoa: Community-led Kai, which is $15 Ticket information  
• Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, New Plymouth Govett-Brewster Art Gallery opened in 1970, funded by a bequest from local woman Monica Brewster (nee Govett).
• Around 85,000 people visit the Gallery each year.
• The Len Lye Centre opened as part of the Govett-Brewster in July 2015, creating a global home for the life and work of acclaimed New Zealand-born artist Len Lye (1901-1980)
• The Gallery presents a regularly changing programme of contemporary art exhibitions, events and conversations.
• Regular education and learning programmes are offered to visitors of all ages.
• It also runs an art and design store, independent cinema, and publishes a range of art books.

Photo:  Itāmua Muaiaoomalō Mataiva D Robertson, left, and Na’ofetalaiga Etimani weaving in Lalaga: Le Hui Fono, 2024, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, New Plymouth. Photo: Samuel Hartnett.