Rokowhiria, Art & Heritage’s upcoming exhibition Ki uta ki tai: Our Braided Rivers explores Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique and changing braided river environment and the history of river crossings in Mid Canterbury. The Rakaia, Hakatere Ashburton and Rangitata Rivers define our district and way of life. They serve as geographical borders and support our wellbeing, providing water for irrigation, recreation and mahinga kai. They are taonga, globally rare and geologically unique.

Spanning two gallery spaces, Ki uta ki tai: Our Braided Rivers will showcase these remarkable awa, their importance within a healthy ecosystem, and their connection with people throughout the history of Hakatere Ashburton and Waitaha Canterbury.

This exhibition will include special objects and archival materials from the Ashburton Museum and Historical Society collection, as well as two trophy fish, fishing rods, lures and competition trophies on loan for the display. Also featured is a model mōkihi on loan from Waitaki Museum & Archive | Te Whare Taoka o Waitaki, made by Tim Te Maihāroa circa 1980, accompanied by an educational video courtesy of Ngāi Tahu Archive.

A section of Ki uta ki tai will explore the history of river crossings—by foot, horseback, canoe or ferry—and the development of vital bridge networks across Mid Canterbury. Crossing rivers was one of the most dangerous parts of life in nineteenth-century Aotearoa, and the Rakaia River was the largest and most difficult to ford in Waitaha Canterbury.