Our Ocean of Islands Opening weekend

A weekend of storytelling, art, knowledge and community.

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  • Words by New Zealand Maritime Museum
  • Last updated 10 Aug 2026

Join us as we celebrate the opening of Our Ocean of Islands, a landmark exhibition bringing together the indigenous knowledges, cultural practices and living traditions of 24 Moana Oceania nations. Museum entry and corresponding events are FREE during the opening weekend with no bookings required. 

Location

Te wāhi

New Zealand Maritime Museum
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Getting there

Te huarahi ki reira

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

More info

He pārongo atu anō

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Indigenous Knowledge Panel Talanoa

Saturday 15 Aug, 10.30am -1pm | Maritime Room 

Hear from indigenous knowledge holders representing 14 Moana Oceania nations as they share stories, perspectives and insights into their contributions to Our Ocean of Islands.

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Indigenous Knowledge Gallery Talks

Saturday 15 Aug, 2pm - 4pm | Edmiston Gallery

Join exhibition contributors in the gallery for a series of conversations exploring the stories, cultural knowledge and lived experiences behind Our Ocean of Islands.

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Meet the Mai FM street crew

Saturday 15 Aug, 10am - 2pm | Museum and Eastern Viaduct 

Follow the clues hidden throughout the museum to uncover the secret word. Then find the Mai Street Team in or around the museum to enter the draw and be in to win one of 10 awesome prize packs.

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Whanāu Make and Create

Saturday 15, 10am - 4pm & Sunday 16 Aug, 10am - 2pm | Museum and Eastern Viaduct 

Bring the whole family and enjoy a range of drop-in activities inspired by Our Ocean of Islands. Get creative with Moana Oceania-inspired poetry, find out about the very special geomarkers used in the exhibition and then make your own, or create a woven bird inspired by traditional weaving practices.

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Gallery Talk with Artist Brian Robinson

Sunday 16 Aug, 10.30am-11am | Edmiston Gallery

Join acclaimed Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson in the gallery for an informal conversation exploring his work, creative practice and art works that form part of Our Ocean of Islands.

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Ancient Knowledge, Contemporary Practice: An Artist Talk with Brian Robinson

Sunday 16 Aug, 2.30pm - 3.30pm | Learning Space

Join Brian Robinson as he explores the rich history of Torres Strait material culture and its influence on his contemporary arts practice. Drawing on ancestral knowledge, Robinson reflects on the cultural significance of objects such as canoes, masks and ceremonial adornments, and reveals how these enduring stories continue to inspire his distinctive work across printmaking, sculpture, animation and public art.

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Explore Our Ocean of Islands

10am - 5pm | Edmiston Gallery

Our Ocean of Islands is a landmark exhibition bringing together the Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices of 24 Moana Oceania island nations. Developed with key knowledge holders from each island nation, the exhibition celebrates diverse Indigenous perspectives and explores the interconnections between peoples, lands, seas, and skies.

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Dates and Times
  • Sat 15 Aug 10am - 5pm
  • Sun 16 Aug 10am - 5pm