Auckland Council Libraries: Waiwaia Ngā Ngutu

Waiwaia Ngā Ngutu

​Exhibition: 4 September 2024 – 1 February 2025

Māori wood-carving artefact

Waiwaia ngā ngutu (Speak Eloquently) celebrates the writing and expression of te reo Māori from the early nineteenth century to the present day. 

This exhibition is a special opportunity to experience taonga presented in te reo Māori. Discover treasured items from Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, including:


  • hand-written manuscripts recording whakapapa and kōrero tupuna
  • te reo Māori book of grammar and early publications of different Bibles
  • Māori students’ copybooks as they learned to read and write in te reo Māori
  • contemporary translations of works into te reo Māori
  • and more!
Immerse yourself in the essence of te reo Māori with a rich soundscape that brings the written word to life. 


Visit the exhibition

Come along to the Gallery to browse the collection at your own pace. 

The Gallery, Level 2, Central City Library / Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero

Monday to Friday, 10am – 6pm
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday Closed

This exhibition is proudly supported by the city centre targeted rate.





Guided tours

A group of people viewing an exhibition.


Join us for a free guided tour of the exhibition. The curators will bring the exhibition to life for you as they explain the meaning and context of the taonga.


Tours are held every second Wednesday from 12 to 1pm.

Spaces are limited, so booking is required.


Book your free guided tour 




Experience the soundscape



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Auckland Council Libraries:Waiwaia Ngā Ngutu Explore Waiwaia Ngā Ngutu, an exhibition celebrating the eloquence and expression of te reo Māori from the 19th century to today. Visit the exhibition at the Central City Library from 4 September 2024 to 1 February 2025.