Presented alongside the survey exhibition Fred Graham: Toi Whakaata / Reflections, this exhibition provides a focused, in-depth look at Graham’s body of work made about the Waikato River.
The Waikato River features prominently in the work of world-renowned artist and carver Fred Graham (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Tainui 1928–2025). Born in Arapuni and raised in Horahora on the banks of the Waikato River, Fred’s early life was deeply influenced by shifting waters. In 1957, the creation of a hydroelectric power station at Karapiro caused flooding that impacted Horahora, as well as many other Ngāti Koroki Kahukura waahi tapu, forcing Graham’s family to relocate.
This exhibition features a series of works that trace significant places and historic sites along the Waikato awa. Rich with symbolism, the exhibition tracks the length of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest river from its beginnings at Mount Ruapehu to the powerful currents rushing past the Museum, and onwards to the sea at Te Puuaha o Waikato (Port Waikato).
Katohia He Wai Moou, Katohia He Wai Mooku was developed and toured by the Waikato Museum. The sculptures displayed in this exhibition are on long term loan to Waikato Museum from the Waikato River Authority.
Image: Fred Graham, Te Puaaha o Waikato (Port Waikato), kauri, swamp kauri, paua shell, custom wood, 2012. Courtesy of the Waikato River Authority.
Waikato museum
