Puanga/Matariki - Wairau Māori Art Gallery

The Wairau Māori Art Gallery will mark the commencement of Puanga/Matariki by paying homage to our departed tupuna. Our event promises a morning of mātauranga, karakia, kai, and fun art activities throughout the day.

Morning Ceremony - Free
Join us at 5:30 AM on June 28th, 2024, as we gather under the morning sky in celebration of Puanga/Matariki. This is a free family event and will run all da. We will continue the day inside with fun, free art activities wrapping up at 4 PM. Kai will also be available.

- A Dawn Welcome begins at approximately 5:30 AM. Gather around the firepit, outside our front entrance (by the fountain), as we extend a traditional welcome to all. Receive handouts and materials, setting the stage for a meaningful experience. With a karanga, we bid farewell to the darkness and collectively invoke karakia, setting intentions for the day ahead. Led by Mana Whenua: Te Parawhau.

- Te Parawhau will share insights into Matariki, offering a deeper understanding of its cultural importance. Join us as we take a moment to remember departed loved ones who have passed in the last year.

- You will then be invited into the Wairau Māori Art Gallery exhibition 'Te Ao Hurihuri'. This exhibition presents works by eight of our most celebrated, iconic Māori artists. These artists and their legacy represent a resonant call that has influenced contemporary artists for decades and promises to inspire generations into the future.

-Kai and art activities will follow.

Day Art Activities - Free
- Join us in crafting a flag or adorning an existing one on a long string of bunting, symbolizing your aspirations for the coming year or honoring the memories of the year past. These flags will be hung among the pōhutukawa trees, where the wind will carry them skyward, invoking the ancient karakia to elevate our aspirations across the heavens. This activity resonates with the stars of Matariki, including Ururangi for the wind and kites, Tupuārangi for the treetops, Pōhutukawa for the departed, Hiwa i te rangi for aspirations, and Matariki for families and relationships.

- Engage in cultural reverence at our Karakia/Waiata Corner, where simple prayers and songs are made available in printed booklets for whānau to take home and weave into their Matariki traditions.

- Create your own badge and wear your values for Puanga/Matariki!

- Explore stories and kōrero in a relaxed area for whānau.

We thank Te Puni Kokiri for funding this event.