Stories connect us to the people who came before us, the places that shape us and the communities to which we belong. Passed from one generation to the next, they carry histories, knowledge, traditions and ways of understanding the world.

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For Māori and Pasifika peoples, storytelling plays an important role in sharing cultural knowledge across generations. Stories of ancestors, significant events, inspiring people and the formation and naming of places help to shape identity and strengthen connections between people, culture and whenua.

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Legends of Our Lands – Our People, Our Places, Our Stories brings together artworks by tamariki and rangatahi from Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary education, alongside artists in Mīharo’s open 18–25-year-oldcategory. Through imagery, symbolism and a range of creative approaches, participants explore the identities, people, places and stories that hold meaning for them.

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Presented as part of Mīharo’s annual art awards and exhibition, the selected works celebrate the imagination of young artists and the many ways stories and cultural knowledge can be interpreted and shared through art. For more information, visit the Mīharo website.

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The opening for the show and awards will be presented on Wednesday 23 September at 5.30pm please feel welcome to attend.

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Image: The Elements of our Connection by Anahera Kemara. Winner of the Johnny Penisula Supreme Award in 2025.