Matariki is the Māori name for the Pleiades star cluster, which appears in the dawn sky in midwinter. It is a time for us to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present, and look to the future. For many, Matariki marks the beginning of the Māori New Year, Te Mātahi o te Tau. It is a time to remember those who have passed away since the last rising of Matariki, to celebrate the harvest, and to plan for the year ahead. Matariki is a time for families and the community to come together to celebrate with feasting, singing and storytelling.

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Te Whare Pora - House of Learning

Saturday 8 June - Sunday 28 July| WHAKAARI

Join us to celebrate the opening of this exhibition of rare kākahu (cloaks) and taonga puoro (musical instruments) from acclaimed kairaranga (weaver) Rokahurihia Ngarimu Cameron MNZM.   Watch this space for the timing of talks and weaving demonstrations, Opening 11am, Saturday 8 June, All welcome.

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Whānau Matariki Craft

Sunday 9 June – Sunday 28 July, 10am-4pm | FOYER | Free, all welcome

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‍Community Weave - 9 June – 28 July

Help us create a community cloak for Matariki 2024. Bring a message for someone in our community or a wish for the new year, and weave this onto our loom. We look forward to watching the special memories and good wishes grow.

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Origami Star Making - 22 June – 5 July

Get creative using origami techniques to make Matariki stars for yourself or as a gift.

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Light kites - 6 July – 21 July

Kites in Te Ao Māori have been flown not only for fun, but also to communicate, including with those who have passed on, connecting heaven and earth.  Come and make your own Matariki manu tukutuku (kite) using beautiful coloured materials.

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Curator talk: Toi Māori - advocating for the arts with Karl Chitham

Saturday 15 June, 3pm | PUĀWAI | $5, registration essential

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Director of the Dowse Art Museum, Karl Chitham, talks to some of the major artistic projects and partnerships that have been shaping conversations about toi Māori in Aotearoa and on the world stage.

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Click here to book

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Muru - Film Screening

Sunday 7 July, 12pm | PUĀWAI | Free, film rating PG

Released in 2023, this drama follows Police Sergeant Tawharau as he is forced to choose between his job and his people when the government pulls off an armed raid in his Ruatoki community. Directed by Tearepa Kahi.

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Poi E - Film Screening and director's talk

Sunday 7 July, 6pm | PUAWAI | Free, film rating G

Bring the whole family to enjoy this warm, funny and touching documentary telling the story of one of New Zealand’s most iconic pop songs, led by Dalvanius Prime and the Pātea Māori Club. Director Tearepa Kahi will lead a question and answer session about the film after the screening.

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Workshop for rangatahi: Storywriting for the screen

Monday 8 July, 10am-4pm | PUĀWAI | Ages 12-18 | $45

Film director Tearepa Kahi (Poi E, Muru) leads a creative workshop for young people exploring how to generate and capture your ideas for film and video.

Click here to book