Rakiura or Stewart Island is New Zealand's third-largest island, located 30 kilometres south of Te Wai Pounamu the South Island, across the fierce Foveaux Strait.
Rakiura is the furthest south we have ventured for RNZ Culture 101’s Regional Wrap.
Raikura has a population of just 450, yet the island is home to its own distinct cultural scene built on its heritage and isolation.
Long-time resident Gwen Neave is trustee and former chair of the Toi Rakiura Arts Trust and also a member of the Southland Museum and Art Gallery Trust Board. Toi Rakiura Arts Trust she says has had a very busy round of winter events considering their population.
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Over four years ago a new facility for the Rakiura Museum, Te Puka o Te Waka, opened. Currently showing there are fabric banners created as part of a Toi Rakiura Oral History Project. They depict photographs and record life stories of eight Stewart Island seniors, with photographer Juliet Nicholas of Christchurch and historian Halina Ogonowska-Coates both involved.
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Toi Rakiura recently partnered with the Whenua Hou Predator Free Committee to celebrate the 25 years of the island’s pest-free status. They engaged Dunedin artist Janet de Wagt to work with the local community to produce a banner.
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A busy workshop programme this year has included felting with Andrea Sexton and the involvement of Nour Hassan, an Artist in Residence with the Southland Art Foundation.
