Tauaki Tapa with Ebonie Fifita and Friends

Join artist Ebonie Fifita alongside friends in their practice of tauaki. Tauaki is a regular practice on a hot sunny day in Tonga of unfolding cherished tapa treasures stored in the family home, allowing them to breathe, tending to them, and refolding them with additional layers of shared stories. Ebonie will also be hosting one special tauaki where you can bring your own cloths to unfold and learn from together.

  • Words by New Zealand Maritime Museum
  • Last updated 21 Feb 2025

Join artist Ebonie Fifita alongside friends in their practice of tauaki. Tauaki is a regular practice on a hot sunny day in Tonga of unfolding cherished tapa treasures stored in the family home, allowing them to breathe, tending to them, and refolding them with additional layers of shared stories.

Ebonie will also be hosting one special tauaki where you can bring your own cloths to unfold and learn from together. Tapa being cared for in this time include a ngatu that serves the Point England Kindergarten community, ngatu from the homes of friends in Maui, Taranaki, Whangarei, Whakaoriori, and Tamaki, ceremonial ngatu belonging to family, and some intriguing siapo, masi, lafi and ngatu that Andrew Pendergrast at KIWA Art has generously allowed us to borrow.

Bring your own cloths Sun 22 October, 2pm - 4pm | FREE
Bring your own cloths for a special tauaki hosted by Ebonie Fifita. You will be invited to unfold your own treasured tapa cloths and learn from them together.

Bookings are required for this special opportunity and, if you can, please email an image and any information you have about your cloth to [email protected]. Light refreshments provided.

Location Te wāhi
New Zealand Maritime Museum
New Zealand Maritime Museum
Plan your route
Getting there Te huarahi ki reira

The Museum is a short walk from the centre of town and Britomart station. There are also parking buildings nearby on Pakenham St East and Market Lane.