This thought-provoking photographic exhibition explores Tokelau’s unique way of life through the lenses of two New Zealand photographers, Glenn Jowitt and Andrew Matautia. Jowitt first visited Tokelau in 1981, and Matautia 36 years later, in 2017.

Faka-Tokelau compares and contrasts the two artist’s images alongside one another, revealing the constant, ongoing change on Tokelau’s fragile atoll.

With a focus on climate change, Faka-Tokelau: Living with Change portrays how people on the isolated and low-lying atolls of Tokelau live.

The vulnerabilities they face due to the ever-present threat of rising sea levels is evident in both Jowitt’s images from 1981, and Matautia’s in the present day.

Te Papa’s Curator of Photography, Athol McCredie says, “This exhibition highlights the strength and resilience of the Tokelauan people by showing how they have managed to live with the limited resources of their islands over time.”

Faka-Tokelau: Living with Change is developed and toured by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington.

Exhibition available for viewing |
10 May – 18 June 2021

Images |
Andrew Matautia, Siniva Kalolo holding fishing net, Atafu, Tokelau, 2017

Digital Outreach

The Tokelau online hub contains a variety of information about the people, culture, and environment of Tokelau. View highlights from our collection, including contemporary photography, drone footage, and The Glenn Jowitt collection. Learn more with our Tokelau language resources, and blogs exploring tatau (tattooing), climate change, and Tokelau material culture. Visit the hub at https://tepapa.nz/tokelau

The hub includes the introduction and segmental text from the exhibition, which includes collections, learning resources, blogs . As well as the works in the physical exhibition, it links  to additional Glen Jowitt and Andrew Matautia Tokelau images and other relevant taonga.   If you needs assistance with the web hub content and access, please contact:

Daniel Crichton-Rouse

Senior Digital Editor

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Faka-Tokelau: Living with Change is developed and toured by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa