‘‘Tohu'', compiled by Oamaru choreographer and film-maker Bronwyn Judge, recognises the ancient culture of the Waitaha tribe and its association with the Waitaki River.
It came at a time when Waitaha was facing the threat of subsumption by another tribe and the lower Waitaki River environment and wildlife was endangered by irrigation and hydro-electricity projects, she said.
The exhibition features a recent film, Tohu, made by Mrs Judge, a documentary that recognises the ancient culture, the river and endangered birds of Waitaha.
Incorporated into the exhibition are works by artists John Mitchell and Mark Adams, and taoka (treasures) gathered from the Waitaha camp at the mouth of the Waitaki River.
Unusual and rare pieces from the Willetts' collection of Waitaha artefacts have been loaned as part of the exhibition.
‘‘The whole theme of the exhibition is recognition of the plight of Waitaha, endangered birds and spiritual and cultural values of the river,'' she said.
Copies of Tohu will be on sale, with proceeds going to predator control in south Westland.
Forrester director Warwick Smith said the gallery had never had such a variety of exhibitions at one time.
