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Story: Niueans

‘Take these with you when you leave’

Image
‘Take these with you when you leave’

The paintings of Niuean artist John Pule, who is also a writer, often tell stories. In this work the symbols – an aeroplane, a New Zealand passport, state house and pair of shoes – tell of Niuean migration to New Zealand. Shoes are not that important on Niue.

Using this item

Auckland Art Gallery – Toi o Tāmaki, Chartwell Collection

by John Pule

Permission of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Carl Walrond, Niueans – Community and culture, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/artwork/721/take-these-with-you-when-you-leave (accessed 24 June 2026).

Story by Carl Walrond, published 4 March 2009, updated 1 July 2024.