Matariki at the Museum

Celebrate Matariki every day of the school holidays! 1st – 16th July

This July, to celebrate Matariki 2023 our Te Wheke space will be transformed into a creative hub for everyone to enjoy.

For some iwi Matariki heralds the Māori New Year. Historically, new year celebrations provided the opportunity for whānau to come together and acknowledge the year gone by, prepare for the year ahead with kai, kōrero, ceremony and entertainment.

At Wellington Museum, Te Wheke will host Matariki commemorative lantern-making crafts; an interactive station for people to write their Matariki wishes for the year ahead; and whānau reading spaces. Join us in reflecting on this special time of the year with the Wellington community.

Daily drop-in Matariki activities include: 

Commemorative lantern-making crafts 
Manuhiri can make their own lantern and write a message to commemorate a loved one. These can be taken home or hung up and displayed in Te Wheke for everyone to enjoy.

Write your Matariki intention on a star  
Manuhiri are invited to write their intention or goals for the year ahead on a star, and then place these on our Matariki/pleiades constellation wall.

Whānau reading 
Books, beanbags and small tables will be available for whānau to read and enjoy throughout the day.

On Tuesday 4th and 11th of July from 10am-12pm commemorative lantern making will be hosted by our wonderful team member Georgia who will guide tamariki to make their creations.

We welcome everyone at Te Waka Huia o Nga Taonga Tuku Iho and Matariki at the Museum is ideal for 5 – 12 year olds. 

Donations appreciated.