Protest Tautohetohe: Objects of Resistance, Persistence and Defiance
An illustrated history of protest and activism in Aotearoa New Zealand.
By Stephanie Gibson, Matariki Williams and Puawai Cairns
For a small, peaceful democracy in the South Pacific, New Zealand has had its fair share of major protest issues, and over the decades New Zealanders have become adept at mobilising around causes. From protest about war – be it the New Zealand Wars, the Great War, the Vietnam War or the invasion of Iraq – to trade union action, protests against apartheid and nuclear ship visits, protest for the rights of women and LGBTQI people, protests for better race relations and to protect the environment, and protest to save key services and protect heritage, Aotearoa New Zealand has a long legacy of activism. This richly illustrated book brings together the objects made by protesters to proclaim and symbolise their causes and their struggles. From banners to badges, t-shirts to teatowels, posters to photographs, it is a vivid reflection of 250 years of resistance and persistence.
Winner of the 2020 Ockham New Zealand for Illustrated Non-Fiction Book Award
“The tactile, hand-hewn approach to design complements the huge variety of assiduously collected objects that are this book’s focus. From the obscure and ephemeral to the well-known and loved, the images allow us to be witness to – and challenge us to learn from – our shared past of resistance, dissent and activism.”
About the authors
Stephanie Gibson is Curator Contemporary Life & Culture at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. She is researching the material and visual culture of protest, conflict and reform, as well as everyday life in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her continuing museological research focuses on museums and community participation.
Matariki WIlliams is Curator Mātauranga Māori at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. She has a broad interest in the intersections within te ao Māori and how this contributes to a diverse contemporary Māori society. Her research interests include contemporary social history, art, and digital expressions of self and culture. Matariki is a Kāhui Kaitiaki representative on the Museums Aotearoa Board and also serves on the board of the National Digital Forum. Iwi affiliation: Tūhoe, Te Atiawa, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Hauiti.
Puawai Cairns is Kaihāpai Mātauranga Māori, the Head of Mātauranga Māori at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. She specialises in contemporary social history research and collecting to reflect the stories of Māori communities. Puawai is presently exploring what the concept mana motuhake looks like in museology and exhibition making, and is especially interested in indigenising museum practice. Iwi affiliation: Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi.
Published by Te Papa Press
2019
