A new exhibition at Te Papa is marking 75 years of the Māori Women’s Welfare League and its work supporting wāhine Māori and whānau across Aotearoa.
Tatau Tatau: Te Ropu Wahine Maori Toko i te Ora | Maori Women’s Welfare League opened at the Wellington museum on 25 September and will run until January 2027.
The Level 4 exhibition in Mana Whenua traces the League’s history since it was established in 1951.
Its work over the past 75 years has included efforts to improve housing, health and education for Māori whānau, as well as helping establish Aotearoa Māori Netball.
A range of taonga connected with prominent League members and its history are on display.
They include a kākahu belonging to former League president Dame Aroha Reriti-Crofts and a fox stole worn by Dame Whina Cooper.
A teacup belonging to the League’s first patron, Princess Te Puea Hērangi, and a copy of the organisation’s 1982 recipe book are also featured.
Film and video material explores some of the League’s achievements and the involvement of younger wāhine in carrying its work into the future.
The 75th anniversary was also marked with a three-day opening programme at Te Papa’s Rongomaraeroa marae.
League representatives from different rohe took part in kōrero, waiata and live raranga during the programme.
The Māori Women’s Welfare League now has more than 130 peka and around 3000 members across New Zealand and Australia.
The Tatau Tatau exhibition is free with museum entry.
