Iti te Kupu, Nui te Kōrero | Tiny Statements: The Power of Badges

The Power of Badges Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery is proud to present Iti te Kupu, Nui te Kōrero | Tiny Statements: The Power of Badges, a touring exhibition from Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum, opening 31 October. Iti te Kupu, Nui te Kōrero | Tiny Statements: The Power of Badges, is a touring exhibition from Te Papa Tongarewa. It shows over 200 badges from the museum’s collection, along with connected stories about New Zealanders wearing their badges to show pride, defiance, and community. Badges are small objects that tell big stories. These miniature billboards broadcast statements of identity and belonging in Aotearoa New Zealand, travelling with the wearer into the wider world. From the front line of protests to everyday life, badges call for justice, fairness, and a better world, from the environment to women’s welfare. Exhibition Highlights include Margaret Mahy's scarf: The celebrated author's scarf adorned with over 180 badges celebrating books and beloved children's characters. Polynesian Panthers’ badge and beret: commemorating the fight against racism and showing how powerful symbols were worn with pride.