He Momo, nā te whānau—it’s a family trait— The 2nd Aotearoa Jewellery Triennial

Jennifer Laracy, Necklace, Paua shell and Sterling silver, 520 mm L x 15mm D, 2025

He Momo, nā te whānau—it’s a family trait— The 2nd Aotearoa Jewellery Triennial
curated by Sian Van Dyk

June - Nov 2025 The Suter Art Gallery, Whakatu
Sept - Nov 2026 Te Manawa Museum, Te Papioea
April - Sept 2026 ​Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery


​What happens when we consider jewellery as a symbol for intangible inheritance? In He momo nā te whānau artists from across Aotearoa respond to this question with works made over a 20-year period. Cumulatively, they explore the qualities we receive from our parents, grandparents and our ancestors; while considering the cultural rituals, celebrations and baggage that bond the human race

Today, pāua shell is tinged with the glistening hue of a 20th century souvenir, which people across Aotearoa share a love-hate relationship with.

​Looking at her own family, Jennifer Laracy tussles with these conflicting emotions. 
Her grandfather, Morris Win, fought in World War II, returning home badly injured in 1943.
Retraining as a jeweller, he forged a career making fine pāua jewellery.. 
As a teenager studying jewellery, Laracy developed an uneasy relationship with the use of pāua shell, particularly in the appropriation of Māori design. 
She avoided using the material for many years until the death of her grandfather, when she was given some of his precious offcuts.

This necklace is a new type of souvenir—not one tied to a collective sense of place, but rather a representation of deep gratitude and connection Visually, it embodies romanticized ideas about fine jewellery heirloom to represent the qualities she received from her grandfather as a maker. 


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​The artists in He momo nā te whānau are Andrea Daly, Areta Wilkinson, Chris Charteris, Grace Yu Piper, Jane Dodd, Jennifer Laracy, Joe Sheehan, Keri-Mei Zagrobelna, Matthew McIntyre Wilson, Octavia Cook, Renee Bevan, Sione Monu, Victoria McIntosh and Warwick Freeman.
In He momo, nā te whānau is curated by Sian van Dyk, and is a collaboration between Te Manawa, The Suter and Makers 101. It is generously supported by Creative New Zealand.