October will focus on Ans’ significant contribution to learning and education in Aotearoa New Zealand and her involvement in school publications. Arguably her most well-known material was provided for Washday at the Pa, published in 1964 by the Department of Education and withdrawn later the same year following complaints initiated by the Māori Women’s Welfare League.
The first school publication with both images and text by Ans was Viliami of the Friendly Islands, set in Tonga and published in 1963. Over the next 60 years, Ans provided wide ranging material for over 100 educational texts which were used in schools throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
These photographs and publications have left a lasting legacy on New Zealand children, and our social history. Each of the three exhibitions will showcase prints from three key schools publications demonstrating the breadth and range of Ans’ educational work:
Viliami of the Friendly Islands (1963): 3-10 October
Holiday in the Capital (1968): 11-19 October
Children of Holland (1969): 25-31 October
On 9 October, {Suite} hosts a panel discussion on Ans’ contribution to learning and her impact on New Zealand education. Featuring recently appointed Race Relations Conciliator, Doctor Melissa Derby, Professor Paul Moon, author of Ans Westra: A Life in Photography and moderated by writer, curator, producer Mark Amery.
To RSVP to attend the panel discussion please click here.