26 October 2018
Media Release

An Empty Fridge is part of Family Violence – Tamariki reclaiming their story as part of White Ribbon 2018

Today saw the opening of the “Behind Closed Doors” exhibition at Massey Library.

The focus of this exhibit is on the wider situations that foster family violence rather than the actual acts themselves. What students experience in their own life goes well beyond crime statistics; for example, the fridge door that opens on "no food here", or that has an eviction notice on its front, are part of what these young people experience as family violence.

Tiaria Fletcher, Manager of the WAVES Trust, explained what the exhibit is about: “this is part of the White Ribbon Campaign against Family Violence. The students have taken our history of being colonised, the legacy and pain of it, and reclaimed the story for themselves, in their own way”. She added “it is also about hope for a better future.”
Community Waitakere, WAVES and the students of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Kōtuku (in Rānui) have joined together, in support of the White Ribbon Campaign, resulting in this “Kei tua o te Tatau – Behind Closed Doors” exhibition. After starting its journey at Massey Library, it will be traveling to several West Auckland venues until early December. With thanks to the Henderson-Massey Local Board for providing funding for this journey. Some of the artworks will also be incorporated by the students into their school production later this year.

The artworks are by students from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Kotuku in Ranui.
High Resolution photographs can be accessed at https://www.dropbox.com/sh/el2dchxo9d1thid/AABhvhfosWM4MetOYhGDUP_Ha?dl=0

Description of photos available on dropbox (link above)

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Haka by Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Kōtuku students
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NZ Police supports the campaign. With Aroha Te Namu of Community Waitakere (Middle)
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Papa Fred Holloway listens to Kura student explanations
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Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Kōtuku students in front of their art works

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Sharnae Inu (R) , Kaikokiri Ratonga Māori (HMLB area) with visitors
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Y7 student explaining to visitor
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Tiaria Fletcher, Manager of WAVES Trust
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Homelessness – the story of the car door

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Outside of the car door
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Inside of car door
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No food and too many bills - Story of the fridge door
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Fridge door with electricity cut-off note

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Inside of fridge door
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One of the doors
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One of the doors (detail)
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One of the doors

ends

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