New Te Papa exhibition explores the power of badges in Māori protest and social history

A significant new exhibition has opened at Te Papa Tongarewa, Aotearoa New Zealand’s national museum, highlighting how small symbols have historically carried powerful messages for Māori and the wider community. Titled 'Iti te Kupu, Nui te Kōrero | Tiny Statements: The Power of Badges', the showcase features more than 200 items from the museum’s permanent collection. Reported by RNZ on Thursday, 16 July 2026, the exhibition explores themes of identity, belonging, and pride. According to Te Papa’s Curator of New Zealand Histories and Cultures, Stephanie Gibson, these humble objects serve as vital portals into the nation's social history. The collection specifically documents pivotal moments of protest and resistance, illustrating how badges were used as tools for political expression and cultural visibility. Among the historical highlights are items that reflect the movements and challenges that have shaped Aotearoa. The exhibition’s title, 'Iti te Kupu, Nui te Kōrero', translates to 'Small words, large stories', emphasizing how these minor physical artifacts represent significant social shifts and enduring connections to land and rights. Speaking on RNZ's Nights programme, curators noted that the exhibition brings together these diverse symbols to tell a collective story of the people. By preserving these badges, the museum aims to provide a tangible link to the past, ensuring that the narratives of resistance and identity remain accessible to current and future generations.