Fresh from Munich Jewellery Week, KOHĀ is an activation led by Neke Moa, Sofia Tekela-Smith and Stevei Houkāmau.

Koha is a vital concept in te ao Māori (the Māori world). It references the act of offering a gift or contribution as an expression of gratitude. Tungia Symonds-Kaihau (Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto) introduced an idea around the notion of koha by adding a macron over the 'a' to emphasise the second syllable ‘hā’. This addition extends the understanding of kohā to be a celebration of life and relationships within it, as ‘hā’ means the breath or essence of life.

For these makers, kohā acknowledges the reciprocity and connection between cultural adornment, their makers and their wearers.

For Nelson Jewellery Week, Moa, Tekela-Smith and Houkāmau will respond to the taonga held within Nelson Provincial Museum Pupuri Taonga o Te Tai Ao, before inviting those in attendance to engage in the process of kohā by exchanging and deepening an understanding of adornment practice through their own offerings of words, songs or small treasures.

Ngā mihi nui to Hamuera Manihera​​​​, Kaitiaki Taonga at Nelson Provincial Museum Pupuri Taonga o Te Tai Ao, for supporting this kaupapa.

Photo Credit: Neke Moa, Installation view of Ngā tirohanga whānui a Parehuia, 2024. Courtesy of Objectspace, photograph by Samuel Hartnett.

This event is supported by Creative New Zealand.

This event was previously advertised as being held at NMIT but will now take place at Nelson Provincial Museum.