Waipā will share a touch of movie magic when costumes from the recent New
Zealand film Ka Whawhai Tonu will go on show at the Te Awamutu Museum from
tomorrow.
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 a huge 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.
The historic battle site is located between Kihikihi and Arapuni. The Crown forces
invaded Rangiaowhia and fought defenders of the Kīngitanga (Māori King
movement), led by the esteemed 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 recently captured national and
international audiences. The story centres on two rangitahi (teenagers) whose lives
are caught up in war and colonisation.
Ka Whawhai Tonu is playing at cinemas around New Zealand including the Regent
Theatre Te Awamutu, and is also available on streaming services.
The exhibition will run until April 30, 2025.
For more information on Ōrākau visit tearawai.nz.
