_{Toiroa Williams, Whāia te iti kahurangi: Waiotahe Poles in Ōpōtiki Aotearoa New Zealand 37°59'30.0"S 177°14'08.8"E, 2023. Photo: Marcos Mortensen Steagall}

Tangata~Whenua is the culmination of Williams’ PhD research project, Tangohia Mai Te Taura.

Tangata~Whenua seeks to immerse viewers inside complex connections between people and their ancestral land. The exhibition seeks out an expansive approach to documentation, which includes an photographic essay produced in collaboration with Dr Marcos Mortesen Steagall and additional poetry and pūrākau produced by Williams. Photographs depicting Williams' whānau’s ancestral land is supported by whakatauākī (proverbs) in both te reo Māori and English. QR codes also link us to pre-recorded pūrākau where Williams’ narrates stories significant to each location.

This collaborative body of work explores the physical and ancestral connections to the whenua that were disrupted by historical events. Specifically, it investigates the impact of the state execution of Mokomoko, ancestor to Williams. Wrongfully accused and subsequently pardoned.

Tangata~Whenua Exhibition Catalogue

_{Toiroa Williams, Muriwai: Waiotahe beach stream Ōpōtiki Aotearoa New Zealand 37°59'29.3"S 177°14'14.7"E, 2023. Photo: Marcos Mortensen Steagall}

_{Toiroa Williams, Te Ahiaua: Campsite Ōpōtiki Aotearoa New Zealand 37°59'36.0"S 177°12'10.0"E, 2023. Photo: Marcos Mortensen Steagall}

_{Toiroa Williams, Ōpape marae lookout Ōpōtiki Aotearoa New Zealand 37°58'37.3"S 177°25'23.7"E, 2023. Photo: Marcos Mortensen Steagall}