Te Ana Māori Rock Art

Home
Te Ana Māori Rock Art

Discover the stories of Māori rock art at our tribal Rock Art Centre. See the most significant collection of ancient Māori rock art in New Zealand.

Uncover how Māori once lived in the South Island, their resources, customs and pūrakau (stories). Ngāi Tahu Whānui is the most widespread Māori tribe of Te Waipounamu, the South Island of New Zealand. Our whakapapa (genealogy) binds us to this land, and to our ancestors who discovered, explored and settled it. Ngāi Tahu are an indigenous people of the South Island. We are an amalgamation of Waitah

a, the first people to settle here about 700 years ago, and Ngāti Mamoe and Ngāi Tahu who migrated later from the North Island. Today we go by ‘Ngāi Tahu’, or sometimes ‘Ngāi Tahu Whānui’ which emphasises our strands of genealogy. Our traditional tribal area extends over Rakiura (Stewart Is.) and all of Te Waipounamu (South Is.) excepting the Nelson and Blenheim areas. European colonisation saw most of the tribe’s land taken by unjust land sales even though the Treaty of Waitangi was signed with the British in 1840. With insufficient land and resources Ngāi Tahu became some of the poorest people in New Zealand. To learn more about the history of Ngāi Tahu click here. Since the 1980’s Ngāi Tahu has developed successful business operations in property, seafood and tourism. In 1995 the Government finally settled Ngāi Tahu’s historical land claim. Today Ngāi Tahu is again a major economic identity in our own home generating resources to fund education and welfare initiatives for 40,000 members and protect our living cultural heritage and landscape. We have 18 Runanga (local committees) based around marae - our traditional community centres. They work to ensure that our past is remembered and that our sense of connection to our cultural places, treasures and each other is carried into the future. As our tribal motto says, “Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei” - for us and our children after us.

24/08/2026

Interesting use for raupō

21/07/2026

Mahi using a spectrometer, a scientific tool used to identify the chemical makeup of solids, liquids, and in this context - rock art pigment, to gain knowledge that will help to protect and conserve rock art for the future.
Although the spectrometer is close to rock art wall, it is not touching the surface!

06/07/2026

🌿 We’re hiring | Kaihautū Mātauraka - Lead Educator 🌿
Part‑time (30 hrs/week) | Timaru & South Canterbury
Are you passionate about mātauraka Māori, education, and sharing kōrero that uplifts Ngāi Tahu history and culture?
Ngāi Tahu Māori Rock Art Trust is looking for a Kaihautū Mātauraka - Lead Educator to help deliver inspiring, hands‑on education programmes at Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre and Māori rock art sites across South Canterbury.
✨ About the role:
You’ll work with ākonga from early childhood to tertiary level, designing and delivering engaging learning experiences that celebrate mana whenua, protect taonga, and strengthen connections with kura and communities.
🌱 We’re looking for someone who:
• Loves working with ākonga
• Is confident delivering engaging education experiences
• Has a passion for Ngāi Tahu culture and history
• Values Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori
• Is creative, organised, and people‑focused
🤍 Why join us?
Be part of a kaupapa‑driven organisation making a meaningful difference for future generations through education, protection, and storytelling.
📅 Applications close: 5pm, Monday 20 July 2026
📧 Apply by emailing your CV and cover letter to: [email protected]
(Attention: R Solomon). Job description can be found teana.co.nz/careers
📍 Based in Timaru | Some weekend work may be required
👉 Share this with someone who would be perfect for the role!
# KaihautūMātauraka
Photo Sophie Clement (Tohu Whenua)

06/07/2026

Autumn/Winter is a great time for promoting Te Ana to international tourism operators, and the world. Attended two events to showcase both Te Ana and the South Canterbury district this year.
1. TRENZ 26 (NZ’s largest international tourism business event)
2. Mid-winter Christmas event in Wānaka- NZ Fine Touring and regional tourism operators

06/07/2026

Ngāi Tahu Māori Rock Art Trust working collaboratively with scientists from Maiangi Taiao and Paemanu, to gain knowledge that will help to better protect and conserve rock art.

08/04/2026

MVHS Internationals visit to centre

25/02/2026

Te Ana team portside for recent Noordam visit.

10/02/2026

Tour season well under way

10/02/2026

Cruise ship visits

10/02/2026

Ngāi Tahu Māori Rock Art staff checking on the restoration progress around the site.

Address

2 George Street

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10:00 - 15:00
Wednesday	10:00 - 15:00
Thursday	10:00 - 15:00
Friday	10:00 - 15:30
Saturday	09:00 - 14:00

Telephone

+6436849141

Website

http://www.teana.co.nz/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Te Ana Māori Rock Art posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to Te Ana Māori Rock Art:

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college?

Country:

City: