AEIOU is an entertaining, family exhibition all about the Māori alphabet. Enjoy learning Māori words through a diverse mix of objects from the Rotorua Museum and Ashburton Art Gallery collections. From Aotearoa (New Zealand) to whare (house), ngata (snail) to hoiho (horse) visitors will have fun exploring this eclectic mix of items from a different perspective.

Kereama Taepa (Te Arawa and Te Āti Awa), a Rotorua-based artist designed the 15 letters of the Māori alphabet which form the framework for the exhibition. These eye-catching, imaginative letters incorporate Māori design elements and feature items beginning with that letter of the alphabet. The items featured are not always obvious so you have to look hard – an exploration in itself.

Developed and toured by the Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa

Image Credits:

Header – AEIOU: Explore the Māori Alphabet, Image courtesy of Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa

Left –  Push button Toy, Line Bros, Wood;Tin, 1950’s. Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa.

Left –  Toy Horse, Maud Jackson, Felt, 1940’s. Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa