“The special exhibition of Lindauer portraits of Māori chieftains was fascinating. Get there while it's still on as there's nothing like it in the world.”
– TripAdvisor comment

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki’s celebrated exhibition The Māori Portraits: Gottfried Lindauer’s New Zealand closes next Sunday 19 February.

With more than 81,000 visitors to date, the free exhibition is set to be one of the most highly visited since the Gallery reopened its doors in 2011.

Gallery Director Rhana Devenport says she expects The Māori Portraits to be recorded as one of Auckland Art Gallery’s most memorable exhibitions.

‘If there is one exhibition New Zealanders should visit right now, this is it. It is highly unlikely this many of Lindauer’s portraits will be seen together again in our lifetime,’ she says.

The final two weekends of the exhibition include additional programmes and events to enrich the visitor experience.

Guided exhibition tours: 12.30pm and 2.30pm daily – $10 bookable on the day

Saturday 11 February

11am to 4pm – New Zealand tā moko artist Rangi Kipa will demonstrate the art of tā moko (Māori tattoo). Rangi will also discuss tā moko featuring in Lindauer’s portraits.

12pm and 2pm – Descendant Kahu O Te Rangi Ropata will talk about ancestor Wi Parata Kakakura who was depicted by Lindauer and is seen in the exhibition.

Sunday 12 February

11am to 4pm – New Zealand tā moko artist Rangi Kipa will demonstrate the art of tā moko (Māori tattoo). Rangi will also discuss tā moko featuring in Lindauer’s portraits.

12pm and 2pm – Talk from descendant Kahu O Te Rangi Ropata about ancestor Wi Parata Kakakura who was depicted by Lindauer and exhibited in the exhibition.

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Sunday 19 February (closing day)

12pm and 2pm – Descendants John McEnteer and Peter Calvert tell stories of their ancestor and famous Lindauer portrait subject Pare Watene.

1pm – Nigel Borell, Curator, Māori Art holds the final tour of the exhibition

3pm – Researching your whakapapa with Robyn Williams. The New Zealand Society of Genealogists President advises on how to research your family history

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Visitor quotes (Facebook and TripAdvisor comments)

“Absolutely loved this exhibition. Just beautiful. So many portraits of fine Māori men and women with strength, dignity, and mana.”

“The Māori portraits were absolutely fantastic. Such a prolific and talented artist. I highly recommend this exhibition.”

“I will never forget this collection of Maori portraits lovingly done by Gottfried Lindauer who not only gave detailed dignity to the chiefs but also a historical snapshot of a mighty people.”