Exhibition celebrates Porirua's trailblazing Pacific women

The stories of Pacific women who helped shape Porirua are now in the spotlight with a new exhibition at Pataka Art and Museum. Titled "Marama Malama: Te Manava Moana Women," the showcase celebrates the 50th anniversary of Pacific Allied (Women's) Council Inspires Faith In Ideals Concerning All. Incorporated (P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Inc.).

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We made things happen here in Porirua, in New Zealand, we have made a difference!

The exhibition features portraits by Nu'ugalo Jacinta Mauga of local Pasifika community leaders, accompanied by stories detailing their legacies. Timed with Matariki and guided by the remembrance star Pohutukawa, the event also honors the pioneers who established foundations for Pacific people in Porirua.

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What would I want them to feel? To just get a sense of these amazing women, this amazing community who came from somewhere else to build something here to give diversity, to give difference, to give options and alternatives, and to make this a much better and enriched culture here in Porirua, in Aotearoa.

Gagau Annandale-Stone, featured alongside her sister Sose, spoke about the exhibition's celebration of women who "made things happen" and made a difference in Porirua and New Zealand. Their mother, Elaine Uluave-Annandale, was the first Pacific woman elected as Porirua City Councillor in 1983, and her daughters continue her legacy in public service. Gagau hopes visitors will recognize the sacrifices of past generations and the ongoing work to enrich Porirua's culture with diversity and new perspectives.

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We're standing on the shoulder of these giants, and their memories, their service to this community, and what they did inspires us to do the work that we continue to do today. We do everything we can to uplift our people, but not just that, to actually honour our culture, our identity, and our sense of belonging.

Her sister, Sose Annandale, emphasized that current Pacific leaders stand on the shoulders of these "giants." She stated that their memories and service inspire continued efforts to uplift their people, honor their culture, identity, and sense of belonging. Teremoana O-Maua-Hodges, an educator and designer featured in the exhibition, found the connections made among visitors most rewarding. She noted that the exhibition successfully prompts reflection and remembrance, highlighting the vital role of organizations like P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Inc. in supporting Pacific communities.

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And it's going to have people who are going to come, they're going to start reflecting. Like today it took me ages to leave the room, because so many people say I remember when I was at Brandon. I remember when we did this, so the connections have been made. So the whole exhibition is so far successful.