On display from 7 June till 21 July, 2019; a solo exhibition Re-generation by Jude Robertson and a group exhibition Tāne-te-waiora, Shall we work together? curated by Ariane Craig-Smith and Chris McBride for environmental initiative The Kauri Project.

Te Kawerau ā Maki, mana whenua of the Waitakere ranges placed a rāhui on the Waitākere ranges area to help protect the endangered Kauri tree from the irreversible effects of kauri dieback. On May 1, 2018 areas of the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges were closed to assist in these protection efforts, with mixed opinion from both the local community and the tramping community. 

The Kauri Project uses art as a language for raising awareness and promoting understanding of kauri dieback disease and the scientific, cultural, social and economic contexts that inform kauri’s current situation. In honour of the Matariki season, The Kauri Project seeks to remind us of our responsibility to take care of our environment, our Earth. 

With some of the ranges closed, photographer Jude Robertson was in a unique position as the Auckland Council Artist-in-Residence programme in the Waharau and Hunua ranges over the last summer. Her solo exhibition investigates the use of Kanuka and Manuka in the reforesting of land from farm back to bush. This solo exhibition will include photographic and sound work and is part of the Auckland Festival of Photography.

Corban Estate Arts Centre is based in the heart of Waitākere. This series of new exhibitions provides us with an opportunity to think about what is happening in our backyard and the many ways in which we can help to protect our natural surroundings. 

As part of our public programme, Saturday 8^thJune come and create your very own star wall hanging in celebration of the Matariki season, and on Saturday 13^thJuly join us in creating Seed bombs that can be used in your garden at home while we learn more about The Kauri Project and how they have grown Kauri saplings to help combat the Kauri dieback disease.