Te Wheke-a-Muturangi floats on Tāmaki Makaurau waters for first time

Celebrated artwork signals a packed season of the arts in city centre

Last Updated : 28 Apr 2025
Resize Te Wheke A Muturangi By Lisa Reihana Tile

Celebrated, octopus-styled artwork Te Wheke-a-Muturangi by acclaimed artist Lisa Reihana floats on Tāmaki Makaurau waters for the first time - through to 14 May.

Presented by Viaduct Harbour Holdings Ltd and Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert, with the support of Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate, Te Wheke-a-Muturangi is set to deliver a major moment in Viaduct Harbour’s presentation of the Aotearoa Art Fair Sculpture Trail.

It kicks off an overflowing season of arts in the city centre. Read more below.

 

Deputy Mayor of Auckland Desley Simpson says it’s thrilling to see Te Wheke-a-Muturangi arrive in our waters.

“Lisa Reihana has consistently wowed global audiences with her stunning art, grounded in Māori and Pacific cultural knowledge. So we’re lucky to see this epic masterpiece in the Viaduct Harbour as we usher in a packed season of the arts in Auckland.

“Interactive art, comedy, opera, cabaret, street culture and Matariki celebrations – we have it all in the city centre this winter season,” she says. 

Te Wheke-a-Muturangi

This mesmerising installation invites audiences to reflect on ancient stories beneath the surface of the ocean, animated by light, movement and memory.

A revered artist whose work has been shown globally – from the Venice Biennale to major presentations in Australia and Singapore – Reihana’s Te Wheke-a-Muturangi anchors the art trail with powerful storytelling drawn from Māori cosmology.

Part of Reihana’s Kura Moana Series, originally commissioned for the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of Arts 2022, the majestic 15-metre-wide floating cephalopod draws from the powerful Māori pūrākau / story of the giant female octopus Te-Wheke-a-Muturangi, who is pursued across the Pacific and ultimately slain by the legendary Polynesian navigator, Kupe.

The artwork is hand-painted by Reihana in maze-like lines inspired by Reihana’s contemporary Māori weaving patterns, with vivid reds symbolising the blood spilled when the creature was defeated.

Visitors can scan an on-site QR code to see an augmented reality pūrākau (legend), where Te-Wheke-a Muturangi hovers above Waitematā Harbour and speaks about being a goddess while taking selfies. Scan the QR code on site or visit Viaduct.co.nz/ArtFair

Alongside Lisa Reihana’s installation, eight other large-scale works by leading contemporary artists from across Aotearoa will be on display for the Aotearoa Art Fair Sculpture Trail, placed throughout the Viaduct Harbour. 

For information on Aotearoa Art Fair and full event programme and maps visit ArtFair.co.nz

Packed arts season

Starting with the appearance of Te Wheke-a-Muturangi, an abundant season of arts and cultural experiences is coming to the city centre this autumn / winter, drawing crowds and adding vibrancy.

Annie Dundas, Director Destination at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited says, “Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s city centre free and paid arts events provide an amazing autumn and winter experience, no matter what the weather’s doing.

“The Aotearoa Art Fair from 1-4 May is sure to be a highlight of the season - it’s the biggest fair yet with 49 galleries from New Zealand and Australia showing work from emerging and established artists, plus a sculpture trail for everyone to enjoy.

“Auckland Live also has an exciting programme of more than 140 shows and performances scheduled across April, May and June. As the temperature cools down, our arts programme ramps up, so it’s the perfect time of year to experience this thriving side to our region.”

Supported by the Auckland Council group and presented at city centre venues, the next six months include:

Visit Discover Auckland for the full line-up, and to search events by date.

Investment

Auckland Council’s contribution of $10,000 towards the installation of artwork Te Wheke-a-Muturangi at Viaduct Harbour was funded from the city centre targeted rate.

 

Photo credit: all photos taken by Jay Farnworth, Auckland Council

Back to News