K I V A
Celebrating 40 years of Tautai | Featuring works by legacy artists Ian George, Jim Vivieaere, Johnny Penisula and Lily Aitui Laita, alongside archival material.
Curated by Ani O’Neill.
28 August - 10 October, 2026
Summary
K I V A takes its name from the ancestor-navigator for whom Te Moana Nui a Kiwa is named, referencing our deep blue ocean as a space of connection, movement and exchange. Marking Tautai’s 40th anniversary, the exhibition reflects on four decades of artists, communities, and relationships that have shaped the organisation and its ongoing commitment to Pacific creativity in Aotearoa.
Bringing together works by legacy artists Ian George, Jim Vivieaere, Johnny Penisula and Lily Aitui Laita alongside archival material, K I V A considers Tautai’s history as an evolving practice rather than a fixed record. Looking back at the foundations outlined by Fatu Feu’u that have guided the organisation, this exhibition, curated by Ani O’Neill acknowledges the contributions of those who have shaped its journey all the while considering the possibilities ahead.
Artist Profiles
-
Jim Vivieaere
-
Lily Aitui Laita
-
Ian George
-
Johnny Penisula
-
Fatu Feu'u
-
Curator - Ani O'Neill
K I V A Exhibition Opening Highlights with Curator Ani O'Neill
RNZ Interview
Join artist and curator Ani O’Neill in conversation with RNZ journalist Susana Lei’ataua as they reflect on the K I V A anniversary exhibition and 40 Years of Tautai Pacific Arts Trust.
Public Programmes
K I V A Felt Lei workshop with Faamele Etuale
Fa’amele Etuale led a felt lei-making workshop exploring the people, relationships, stories and communities that have shaped Tautai over the past four decades.
Presented as part of the K I V A | 40 years of Tautai exhibition, the free public workshop brought people together through making and shared kai.
K I V A Scrapbook workshop with Taualofa Totua
As part of K I V A, Taualofa Totua from Filemu Magazine facilitated a scrapbooking workshop inviting participants to create postcards reflecting on the people, relationships, stories and communities that have shaped Tautai over the past four decades.
The free public workshop brought people together through creative expression and shared kai, celebrating Tautai’s 40-year history.
Community Fono facilitated by Caren Rangi ONZM: Shaping Tautai’s Future
As Tautai celebrated 40 years through its anniversary exhibition K I V A, the community fono provided an opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s future.
Following the outcome of Tautai’s Creative New Zealand funding application, the fono invited the community to share their thoughts, ideas and aspirations for what the future of Tautai could look like. Facilitated by Caren Rangi, the gathering brought people together to listen, reconnect and contribute to the conversation.
