KO AHAU TE WHENUA
KO AHAU TE WHENUA
Jean Yern
1 July - 12 August 2023
Jean Yern (Mangatangi, Ngāti Tamaoho) presents her installation KO AHAU TE WHENUA that pays homage to her wāhi tapu. Sound recordings from these sites of significance inspire her soundscapes and lush blue video light-scapes. Through this installation the gallery becomes an immersive environment where visitors can experience the rich wairua of the area. Yern's work also frames the complex issue of climate change in a local context that is grounded in the knowledge of local mana whenua Ngāti Tamaoho. By exploring the changing ecology of sounds, she highlights how climate change affects not only the physical environment but also the cultural and spiritual landscape of the area through sound.
“My vision is that visitors leave KO AHAU TE WHENUA feeling a sense of calm and peace with a strengthened awareness of the value of mātauranga Māori. I see connecting with mana whenua knowledge as a way to tackle local environmental issues, ensuring that the intergenerational relationships of taiao, whenua and tāngata can flourish.” - Jean Yern
“Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Waikato te Awa
Ko Taupiri te Maunga
Ko Ngāti Tamaoho te hapu
Ko Mangatangi te Marae
Ko Jean tāku ingoa
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa”
- Jean Rangiwhakakī Yern (Mangatangi, Ngāti Tamaoho, Waikato, and Tainui)
Jean Rangiwhakakī Yern is a passionate kaitoi (Māori artist) seeking greater social and cultural visibility for Māori culture and art. Jean Yern works across the mediums of rāranga, print making, music and performance responding to themes of urbanisation, identity, and cultural transformations.
Jean sees Toi Māori (Māori Art) as a bridge, connecting an individual’s sense of belonging and identity to the whenua, awa, and community. Understanding tangata whenua is important and gaining knowledge in Te Ao Māori (Māori world view) creates connection across cultures.
Jean is married to Kieran who is a chicken farmer in Mangatangi, and she has two daughters (Olive 8yrs), and Riley (16months).
Image: Jean Yern, Maunga kohukohunui, 2023
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.7% Second half of November
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43.5% 1st December
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17.7% A week before Christmas
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33% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.9% Yes
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14.3% No
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2.8% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.