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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Exhibition

Te Whare Pora: House of Learning

Opening daily until 28 July | WHAKAARI | Free, all welcome

Join us to celebrate the opening of this exhibition of rare kākahu (cloaks) and taonga puoro (musical instruments) from acclaimed kairaranga (weaver) Roka Hurihia Ngarimu-Cameron, MNZM.   Open daily until July 28.

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Whānau Craft

‍Community Weave - 8 July - 28 July | 10am-4pm | WHAKAARI | Free, all welcome

Add your touch to the whiri (braided cord) as part of the Te Whare Pora: House of Learning exhibition.  Whiri is a Māori technique of braiding plant fibres to make rope and cord, used to form the strong neck edge and ties of cloaks.  Over the course of the exhibition you are invited to add to the whiri we have in our workspace. Just a few centimetres, or a whole section, it's up to you!

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PAST EVENTS

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Curator Talk: Dr Awhina Tamarapa and Roka Hurihia Ngarimu-Cameron, MNZM

Saturday 8 June, 2pm | WHAKAARI | Free

Dr Awhina Tamarapa talks with kairaranga Roka Hurihia Ngarimu-Cameron about the importance of her weaving practice in connecting people and knowledge.

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Curator Talk: Contemporary currents in Māori art, with Karl Chitham

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

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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Whānau Craft: Origami Star Making - 10 June – 23 June

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

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Light Kites - 24 June - 7 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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Films & Workshops

Muru - Film Screening

Sunday 7 July, 12pm | PUĀWAI | Free, Rating MA 15+

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. Note - this film contains violence. Those under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

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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

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Thank you to Lotto New Zealand for their support in bringing this programme to our community: