Partnership is vital to the success of the redevelopment project. At its core is an ongoing partnership with Whanganui iwi, symbolised in the gifting of the name Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery – The House of Inspiration – in 1995.
The extension to the Sarjeant Gallery is dedicated to Tā Te Atawhai Archie John Taiaroa KNZM, who was a loved and respected kaumātua and an inspirational leader of the Whanganui people.
Born at Tawatā on the Whanganui River Sir Archie, as he was to become known, was a spokesperson for his iwi both at home and on a national and international stage. He shared his wisdom and foresight with many. His ability to find mana enhancing solutions to difficult issues was to become his legacy not just to his people but to all Māori and to New Zealand.
Sir Archie was known for his love of the river and for his work on the historic ‘Whanganui River claim’, New Zealand’s longest litigation spanning more than 100 years, which became his life-long challenge. During ‘the claims’ hearing before the Waitangi Tribunal, he was to say:
“This is our awa, this is our ancestor”
Among his many roles, he was negotiator and peacemaker between the crown and Māori on issues affecting all New Zealand. In 2003, Sir Archie was elevated to the station of Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to Māori, especially Whanganui iwi and in October 2009 at a special ceremony he was invested as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
On his passing at the age of 73 on 21 September 2010, tributes flowed from all over the world. Prime Minister John Key said:
“Sir Archie’s leadership was inspirational he was a role model to young Māori and hugely influential in Māoridom. This is a tragic loss not just for Whanganui not just for Maoridom but for all New Zealand”
The best way to sum up the values he applied to his life’s work is this quote from the introduction to the Te Ohu Kaimoana AGM 2010.
“Our responsibilities are beyond our lifetimes and those of our children”
The creation of a new wing to the Sarjeant Gallery in the name of Te Pātaka o Tā Te Atawhai Archie John Taiaroa is a fitting and lasting tribute to a humble man who devoted his life to finding enduring peaceful solutions to the issues facing Whanganui Iwi, Māoridom and New Zealand as a whole. The placement of the extension overlooking the river he loved and fought a lifetime for, following in the footsteps of his tupuna, brings a spiritual benediction to the building that will ensure it will never be merely bricks and mortar.
The mauri stones that were on display at Sarjeant on the Quay while it was open represent the spiritual commitment of the peoples of the Whanganui River to the redevelopment of Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery and are now at Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery on Pukenamu.