Ours: Treasures from Te Papa

Unveiling taonga from high art to pop culture, from the natural world to the frontline of politics, with Kiwis who hold them dear and the Te Papa expert who can explain what it's all about.

Hosted by Noelle McCarthy

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Dame Anne Salmond and the silver fern

Episode 1
The first object comes from the moment of 'first contact'. Historian Dame Anne Salmond talks about the silver ferns collected by the Endeavour and how New Zealand was born in science.
Silver fern collected by Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander, Endeavour 1769. Te Papa 2017

Jacinda Ardern and Ernest Shackleton's sled

Episode 2
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has a favourite item at Te Papa and in episode two, we discover that while it speaks to her of endurance, it's probably not what you might expected.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with Ernest Shackleton's sled, Te Papa

Julian Wilcox and Jonah Lomu's PlayStation video game

Episode 3
Jonah Lomu steamrolled Mike Catt and, as former TV host Julian Wilcox recalls, changed the game of rugby forever. But this treasure about much more than sport.
Johan Lomu Rugby PlayStation video game, 1997. Te Papa Collection

Jeremy Wells and a Kākāpō ejaculation helmet

Episode 4
Before humans, New Zealand was a land of birds. Our recent efforts to save them have sparked some heroic stories... but also some, er, quirky ones. Such as the kakapo ejaculation helmet.
A kakapo ejaculation helmet from Te Papa, 2017

Mike Bush and John Minto's Springbok Tour helmet

Episode 5
The '81 Springbok Tour woke and divided New Zealand, but this week's object and its champion are a surprising combination that shows just how far we've come.
'81 Tour protest leaders Gaylene Jackson and John Minto confer. Auckland, September 12, 1981

Theresa Healey and the Play School toys

Episode 6
In the 1970s New Zealand started to find its own voice through mass media, and that included imported children's television. Ready to knock? Turn the lock.
Theresa Healey on Play School in the 1980s, from NZ on Screen

Sam and the colossal squid

Episode 7
What has the biggest eyes in the world, blue blood and three hearts? Sam Cousins knows and it's a bit of natural science that connects us to the oceans surrounding us.
Visitors view Te Papa's colossal squid

Anthony Byrt and Colin McCahon's 'I am scared'

Episode 8
I am scared is about feeling the fear and doing it anyway. It's a universal theme, but its depiction by this great New Zealand artist could only have been painted here.
I am Scared, 1976, Auckland, by Colin McCahon. Purchased 2008 by Te Papa.

Eric London and the first ever dinosaur tooth

Episode 9
It looks like a bit of wood, but it tells a much bigger story of immigration and inspiration. A story as big as a dinosaur.
Fossil Iguanodon tooth, circa 132-137 million years ago. Gift of
the Mantell Family to Te Papa, Wellington

Elisapeta Fononga and the fish shop uniform

Episode 10
The story of a nation is more than great works of art, turbulent moments of history and dramatic discoveries. Sometimes you can see the truth of a country in a piece of fish with a scoop of chips.
Elisapeta's cap.

Sir Richard Taylor and the wētā

Episode 11
This nocturnal creature doesn't have the prettiest mugshot and can appear a little intimidating with its tusks, barbs, and armour.
Te Papa entomologist Phil Sirvid and Sir Richard Taylor with one of New Zealand's most iconic insects, the wētā.

Jamie Tuuta and the Strutt Painting

Episode 12
William Strutt's painted depiction of the New Zealand Wars may be almost 160 years old but, amid recent claims of racism and propaganda, it’s making headlines in 2018.
Jamie Tuuta / Detail from the 1861 painting 'View of Mt Egmont, Taranaki, New Zealand, taken from New Plymouth, with Maoris driving off settlers’ cattle' by William Strutt

Leah McFall and the Suffragette medal

Episode 13
This little object is so small it could fit in your pocket, yet it's a powerful symbol of one woman's courage and activism in very difficult conditions.
Frances Parker's suffragette medal, also known as the Women's Social and Political Union Medal for Valour (1912).

Googie Tapsell and the Patu Parāoa

Episode 14
This patu parāoa (whalebone hand weapon) used during the New Zealand Wars offers a window or "little cobweb” into New Zealand’s past.
whalebone

Ngila Dickson and the Xena costume

Episode 15
What happens when Greek mythology meets modern pop culture feminism, with a bit of Kiwi battler thrown in?
Xena's outfit.

Pauline Cowens and the Snell Shoe

Episode 16
This spiky item helped a relatively unknown New Zealand athlete seize gold, and instant fame, at the 1960 Rome Olympics.
A shoe Peter Snell wore when he won gold at the 1960 Olympics in Rome.

The Topp Twins and the dolls

Episode 17
These knitted creations are a Topp tribute to the beloved alter-egos of New Zealand's most famous folk-singing/yodelling/comedy duo.
Knitted dolls of Camp Leader and Camp Mother made by a fan. Gift of Lynda and Jools Topp to Te Papa in 2000.

Ema Tavola and the Isa Lei song

Episode 18
This is one of the most well-loved songs of the Pacific and its beautiful, wistful quality still endures - 100 years on from its debut.
The 'Sounds Pacific' Interactive display, which featured the Isa Lei song, with Te Papa visitor Isabella Smith-Tinirau.

Lady Pippa Blake and NZL32

Episode 19
This is a story about one of the most magical victories in New Zealand's sporting history, and the inspiring legacy that it has left in its wake.
'Blue Water, Black Magic' Gallery, New Zealand Maritime Museum.

Jody Wyllie and Te Hau ki Tūranga

Episode 20
Our last taonga is not just an object, but a sacred place, and an "encyclopedia" of the history, traditions and art and culture of the people of Rongowhakaata.
Te Hau ki Turanga Ko Rongowhakaata.

Introducing: Ours: Treasures from Te Papa

Trailer
Taonga that have shaped our identity. Noelle McCarthy celebrates Te Papa's 20th birthday by talking to 20 New Zealanders about 20 treasures that help tell our nation's story.
Noelle McCarthy and Sam Cousins discuss the colossal squid at Te Papa, Wellington 2018