Te Kakano is the name of the Pacific People Information Centre
located in the west wing of the Maori Gallery. Te Kakano was
established to enhance visitor awareness of Pacific Island and
Maori cultures and their precious treasures. The name ‘Te
Kakano’, is derived from the ancient expression, “e kore au e
ngaro. He kakano i ruia mai i Rangiatea” (I will never be lost,
because the seed was planted in Rangiatea). This proverb refers
to the values and traditions that have been passed down over
generations since Maori left their homeland of Rangiatea. The
name, ‘Te Kakano’, illustrates the link Maori maintain with
their Polynesian ancestry. Te Kakano provides information about
Auckland Museum’s Maori and Pacific collections. An important
element of Te Kakano’s vision is to enhance the links for Maori
and Pacific people to their cultural heritage and to underline
the importance of identity for Maori and Pacific people today.
The taonga database encourages visitors to learn more about our
Pacific treasures. The dat