Whai

Whai is a captivating light-based artwork by artist Janine Williams (Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, Ngāti Mahuta), launching during Matariki and inspired by the traditional Māori string game. It reflects the connection between ancient knowledge and contemporary innovation, evolving each season and reappearing in 2026 in a new configuration designed especially for Silo Park.

Through its intricate forms, Whai reconnects audiences with ancestral narratives while functioning as both a learning tool and a source of play. Its shifting shapes tell stories of heritage, creating a visual language that bridges cultures and brings people together.

As an expression of the enduring vitality of Māori culture, Whai helps ensure these traditions remain alive and meaningful for future generations.