Ki uta, ki tai – This oft referenced phrase speaks of the interconnectedness of the landscape from mountains to sea; to the flow of water that cycles continually, linking all life along the way. Kauri ki uta, kauri ki tai then reflects the intention for kauri to continue to exist in this continuous flow, an integral part of the health of the wider ecology of this landscape.

Kauri now face a deadly new threat, from Kauri Dieback disease caused by an invading microscopic organism, Phytopthora agathidicida. Kauri Dieback spores are spread by soil movement. Even a tiny amount of infected soil on someone’s shoe, or on the muddy paws of a dog, for example, can spread the disease. Because of this we all need to be responsible for taking care around kauri, cleaning our shoes and gear, or staying out of kauri forest if there isn’t a clear, dry track to walk on.

This is a critical issue for the Northland region, where kauri logging dramatically changed the landscape in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and where the most famous of the last really big kauri still stand. In particular Tāne Mahuta, in Waipoua Forest, is now a beacon for visitors from around the globe - and for the economic resource that they bring. For many people here, however, kauri represent far more than resource and economic lifeline - kauri are kin, and the fate of kauri is entwined with the fate of the people.

This new context is forcing a re-examination of our history and future with kauri and within this landscape. What is our responsibility now and into the future? How do we re-negotiate our relationship with species such as kauri – and with each other? Can we learn to move into the future with care, attention and aroha/love for kauri, for the ngāhere and for ourselves?

Bringing together The Kauri Project poster artworks with pieces by artists local to Northland, Kauri ki Uta, Kauri ki Tai represents the deep relationship between the creative energy of the region and the will of the people for kauri to flourish – for when kauri once again flourish from mountain to sea, so too will the people.

ARTISTS: DENISE BATCHELOR • NICOLE CHARLES• STAR GOSSAGE • JO HARDY • KURA TE WARU-REWIRI • LAURENCE ABERHART • FRED GRAHAM • ADRIENNE GRANT • ZENA ELLIOT • XAVIER MEADE • JAMES ORMSBY • CHARLOTTE GRAHAM • PHILIP KELLY • TESSA LAIRD • HARUHIKO SAMESHIMA • NATALIE ROBERTSON • SANDRA THOMPSON • LINDSAY ANTROBUS EVANS • LIZ McAULIFFE • ALAN GALE • JILL REILLY • KIM LOGUE + more

Curated by Chris McBride and Ariane Craig-Smith for The Kauri Project, and Lindsay Antrobus Evans for No.1 Parnell.