From an episode of BanksiaPresented by Vanessa Morris

Interview

Banksia: Jade Hadfield Unveils Frock A Whanaungatanga

Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara conservator and curator Jade Hadfield joins Vanessa Morris on Banksia to chat about Frock A Whanaungatanga — the first retrospective exhibition by the legendary Tāgata Moana (People of the Pacific) art collective, the Pacific Sisters in the country.

Celebrating deep heritage and kinship, the show blends urban Māori, Pacific, and Queer identities with traditional Moana art. Presented in partnership with Asia TOPA and Bunjil Place, the exhibition spotlights the Pacific Sisters’ 30-year legacy in fashion activism, performance, and cultural storytelling.

Jade also sheds light on the challenges Indigenous artists face with customs when shipping traditional items, underscoring the importance of preserving and sharing heritage on a global stage.

'It’s not an issue you’d consider, but customs protocols are the biggest challenge for Indigenous artists when sending traditional collections overseas.'

Frock A Whanaungatanga is at Bunjil Place until 9 March

Frock A Whanaungatanga
Listen to Banksia: Jade Hadfield Unveils Frock A Whanaungatanga16:043 February 2025