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Explore topics

"Wunderpus O Sea", Octavia Cook

Who owns an idea? When does a conventional form become a unique and distinctive design? Auckland Museum recently acquired a brooch by contemporary jeweller Octavia Cook which explores these concepts, and responds to a particular situation in which she found herself in last year.

Front page news: A mystery hui


Tonny Brinkman: Sand Collector


Susan Holmes: Fabric Artist


Te Hohoro (Speed)

Speed is winning the tauwhāinga (race) and rushing around, being the first to know the rongo kōrero (news), the first to out-manoeurve the hoariri (enemy). But you also have to know when to slow down... to enjoy the ao (world) around you... before life sprints away.

Te Wai (Water)


Ngā Parahanga (Waste)


Te Huka (Sugar)

Sugar provides vital energy but it can be pretty hard to resist, and not just for humans. It motivates our pollinating pepeke (insects) and energises kākā. Without huka (sugar), much of the mahi nui (hard work) done by West Auckland orchardists would be, well, fruitless.

Te Maitai (Metal)

Metal is all around us, sometimes shining, often matangaro (invisible). It is the tupua (magic) behind early photography and the secret to fertile volcanic soils. Without it, Piha Beach would leave your waewae (feet) a lot mā kē atu (cleaner).