Whakahokihoki means "to return"—a fitting name for an exhibition showcasing pieces that have been travelling to far flung destinations or recently arrived in our collection and awaiting their first public outing. This isn’t just an exhibition; it’s a reunion, a return, and a reminder that even jewellery can have a sense of place.

The Dowse has rolled out the welcome mat for over 60 pieces of contemporary Aotearoa jewellery by more than 40 artists. It’s a sparkling salute to adornment in all its elegant, eccentric, and experimental glory. From neckpieces that could double as sculptures to rings that spark conversations, these works reflect the rich diversity of materials, ideas, and hands that have shaped them.

But this isn’t your great grandma’s jewellery box (although she'd probably want to snoop through it). This is a celebration of creativity. There are taonga that quietly nod to their whakapapa, pieces that want to party, and others that boldly manipulate metal, stone, and bone into forms both familiar and utterly strange. It's a feast for magpies and minimalists alike.

Whether you’re a diehard jewellery junkie or someone who’s never thought twice about a bead, bracelet or brooch, Whakahokihoki invites you to reconsider what it means to wear, to make, and to return. Because sometimes, the best journeys are the ones that lead us home—with a little extra shine.