Matariki Festival At Te Papa, 6 June – 29 June

23 May 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

Celebrate New Beginnings With The Matariki Festival At Te Papa, 6 June – 29 June

Matariki is a time of festivity for Mäori, and the Matariki Festival at Te Papa (Friday 6 June - Sunday 29 June) takes the spirit of this time to all people of Aotearoa New Zealand with a three-week celebration featuring live music and dance, workshops and insightful lectures.

The star cluster Matariki (the Pleiades) will first rise on 23 May. The Māori New Year begins with the first new moon after Matariki’s reappearance. This year, the new moon rises on 5 June so the Māori New Year starts on 6 June.

‘Matariki is a time to reflect on the year that has past and to prepare the year ahead,’ said Michelle Hippolite, Te Papa’s Kaihautü.

‘The Matariki Festival at Te Papa, now in its eighth year, continues to entertain, educate and inspire with a dynamic events programme that will appeal to all,’ Ms Hippolite said.

Highlights include the Matariki Whänau Day, weekend sessions in Te Papa’s portable planetarium, a special Art After Dark Toi o te Pö event with Lisa Reihana and a Seven Sisters concert, the Matariki Hängï Cuisine Cook-off and traditional kapa haka by senior performing artists.

A major new installation Mai i te aroha, ko te aroha (From love, comes love) by renowned contemporary artist Lisa Reihana opens on Friday 6th June, in Te Ara a Hine, the principal internal entrance to Te Papa’s Marae, Rongomaraeroa. Mai i te aroha, ko te aroha incorporates many materials, techniques and approaches drawn from Reihana’s practice and is the second major commission for Te Ara a Hine.

Learn more about South Island iwi (tribe) Ngäi Tahu, Te Papa’s iwi in residence, with guided tours presented by the Friends of Te Papa and lectures about their muttonbirding and eeling traditions. Join artists, curators and writers as they reflect upon the 50th anniversary of the first exhibition of Contemporary Mäori Art held in Auckland in 1958 with a special panel discussion on Thursday 12 June. Discover the importance and tradition of kite-making with experts Verbina Kopa and Harko Brown then make and fly your own kite!

On Sunday 15 June, Satisfy Your Cravings Productions presents Horizon 08: RiZing of Kiwi Culture, a day by youth for youth (rangatahi). This is the second year that high school students from the Wellington area have been invited to produce a day of events for rangatahi. This year’s event will feature food, hip-hop, competitions, cultural groups, and music celebrating Pacific cultures including performances by the Laughing Samoans and the Musical Island Boys.

toi iho ™ are proud to present a series of events from Saturday 14 June – Thursday 26 June featuring acclaimed composer and musician Hareruia ‘RUIA’ Aperarama, artist Rangi Kipa and singer, actor director and tutor Toni Huata. The works of toi iho ™ artists Rangi Kipa, Hepi Maxwell, Sonia Snowden, and Nadine Freundlich are also featured in a visual artist showcase on Te Papa’s Marae (Monday 23 June – Sunday 29 June).

Tickets can be purchased for the Matariki Gala 2008 on Friday 27 June - an extravaganza featuring entertainment, superb indigenous cuisine and New Zealand wines. Te Papa Press’ Matariki Calendar is currently in stores and is packed full of proverbs and traditional knowledge. Beautifully illustrated with Te Papa’s precious taonga (treasures), images from contemporary Mäori communities and scenes of Aotearoa New Zealand through the seasons, this calendar runs from June 2008 to May 2007.

Te Papa thanks the following companies and organisations for their generous support of the Matariki Festival at Te Papa: Te Rünanga o Ngäi Tahu, Te Puni Kökiri, New Zealand Post, Pharmac, Te Mängai Paho, toi iho™ and Wellington City Council.

Please join us during this special time for three weeks of entertainment and education at Te Papa’s Matariki Festival. Celebrate the Māori New Year at Our Place! For further information on events, please visit www.tepapa.govt.nz or call 04 381 7000.

A detailed list of events follows.

ENDS

MATARIKI AT TE PAPA – CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Friday 6 June – Sunday 29 June 2008
Entry is free unless stated

FRIDAY 6 JUNE

Mareikura
4.30pm–5.30pm
Soundings Theatre, Level 2
Exciting choreographer Trudi Paraha presents her new dance work, accompanied by Rikki Gooch’s wonderful soundscapes.

SATURDAY 7 JUNE

Design a pair of sparkly star glasses.
11–12 noon
PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4.
Cost $2

Matariki Star Lab Sessions
10.30am–11.30am & 1.30pm–2.30pm
Level 4 Workshop.
Visit the mini-planetarium Star Lab, enjoy locating the different stars, and learn about the significance of Matariki to Māori. Sessions at 1.30pm are in te reo Māori.
Sessions last 45 minutes and numbers are limited to the first 20 people. Bookings are available on the day, in person only, at PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4.

Torotoro
11am–11.30am & 1pm–1.30pm
The Marae, Level 4.
Contemporary Mäori and Pacific Island dance crew Torotoro perform their new work PA – Kingdom. Enter a world where robots rule and maidens entice.

Tama Waipara Concert
3pm–3.45pm
The Marae, Level 4.
Join world-class singer and musician Tama Waipara for a sublime concert of music from his albums Leaving Paradise and Something Sweeter.

Mareikura
4.30pm–5.30pm
Soundings Theatre, Level 2.
Exciting choreographer Trudi Paraha presents her new dance work, accompanied by Rikki Gooch’s wonderful soundscapes.

SUNDAY 8 JUNE

TE HUKA Ä TAI WHÄNAU DAY
10pm–5pm
Throughout Te Papa.
This full-on family day is a great way for the whole whänau to celebrate Matariki.

Make an awesome star mobile
10am–3pm
Begin at Wellington Foyer, Level 2.
Collect you kete (bag) at the Wellington Foyer, Level 2, then follow the magical map to create whetü (stars). Win a prize when you’ve collected and named all your stars.

Matariki Face Painting
10.30am–12.30pm
Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4.

Matariki Star Lab Sessions
10.30am–11.30am & 1.30pm–2.30pm
Level 4 Workshop.
Visit the mini-planetarium Star Lab, enjoy locating the different stars, and learn about the significance of Matariki to Mäori. Sessions at 1.30pm are in te reo Mäori.
Sessions last 45 minutes and numbers are limited to the first 20 people. Bookings are available on the day, in person only, at PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4.

Create a Papatüänuku (Mother Earth) bookmark.
11am–12 noon
Nature Space, Level 2.
Cost $2.

Huia Publishers Book Launch and Reading
11.30am–12 noon
The Marae, Level 4.
Kids, hear Toni Rolleston-Cummins read from her exciting new children’s book Te Huihui o Matariki (The Seven Stars of Matariki) – available in English and Mäori editions.

Korikori-Hivahiva with the Waimaori Crew
12 noon–12.30pm & 2pm–2.30pm
The Marae, Level 4.
Join this fun exercise session based on Mäori and Pacific dance, music, and story.

Ngä Purakau
1pm–1.30pm
The Marae, Level, 4.
The kids will be captivated by stories of whales and other creatures performed by renowned storyteller Apirana Taylor.

Waiata and Poi Workshop
1.30pm–2pm
Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4.

Games and Prizes in Te Huka ä Tai
2.30pm–3pm
Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4.

Mareikura
4.30pm–5.30pm
Soundings Theatre, Level 2.
Exciting choreographer Trudi Paraha presents her new dance work, accompanied by Rikki Gooch’s wonderful soundscapes.

WEDNESDAY 11 JUNE

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.

Friends of Te Papa Tour: Mō Tätou – The Ngāi Tahu Whānui exhibition
9.30am–11am
Registration is essential. Phone the Friends office 04 382 705. Cost: Friends $12, public $18(includes refreshments).
Join Arapata Hakawai, Director Mätauranga Mäori, and Kaumätua Kukupa Tirikatene and Te Whe Phillips for a tour of the exhibition.

THURSDAY 12 JUNE

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.

Panel Discussion – 50th Anniversary of the First Exhibition of Contemporary Mäori Art
6.30pm–8pm
The Marae, Level 4.
From 1950 onwards, a renaissance of Mäori culture occurred in New Zealand. Cliff Whiting, Arnold Manaaki Wilson, Para Matchitt, Ralph Hotere, Katerina Mataira, Muru Walters, Fred Graham, and Selwyn Wilson were among several young Mäori artists whose work would revolutionise Māori art, and many participated in the first exhibition of contemporary Mäori art in Auckland in 1958. Fifty years on, some of these artists, together with curators and writers, discuss contemporary Māori art – past, present, and future.

SATURDAY 14 JUNE

Matariki Arts and Crafts Village
10am–5pm
Signs of a Nation, Level 4.
Talented Mäori and Pacific artists demonstrate their skills of weaving, wood carving, tïvaevae (quilting), and many other crafts. All work will be for sale.

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.

Matariki Star Lab Sessions
10.30am–11.30am & 1.30pm–2.30pm
Level 4 Workshop.
Visit the mini-planetarium Star Lab, enjoy locating the different stars, and learn about the significance of Matariki to Māori. Sessions at 1.30pm are in te reo Māori.
Sessions last 45 minutes and numbers are limited to the first 20 people. Bookings are available on the day, in person only, at PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4.

Matariki Hangi Cuisine Cook-Off
8am–4pm
Wellington Foyer, Level 2.
8am–9am See the hangi fire being lit
10am–11am Watch the guest chefs assemble their hangi dishes
11am–11.30pm Watch the hangi being laid
2.30pm–3pm Watch the hangi being lifted
3pm–4pm Watch the hangi being plated, then judged by celebrity guest judges
(Times are approximate only)

Make a magnificent manu tukutuku (woven kite)
11–12 noon
Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4.
Cost $2.

The Ngäi Tahu Tradition of Tuna Gathering (Eeling)
11.30am–12.15pm
Wellington Foyer, Level 2.
Hear kaihi tuna (tuna fisherman) Iaean Cranwell speak about the Ngäi Tahu traditional methods of gathering tuna, and try a free sample of this delectable kai (food).

Te Ati Kimihia
12.30pm–1pm
Wellington Foyer, Level 2.
Enjoy a kapa haka performance and then be invited to participate – poi for women, haka for men, and an easy action song for all!

RUIA and Hakiwa – Presented by toi iho™
1.30pm–2.30pm
Wellington Foyer, Level 2.
Join acclaimed composer and musician Hareruia ‘RUIA’ Aperahama and his band Hakiwa for an hour of superb songs from his new CD Tekau Mä Rua.

The Ngäi Tahu Tradition of Titi Gathering (Muttonbirding)
3.30pm–4.15pm
Wellington Foyer, Level 2.
Hear Ngäi Tahu elder Jane Davis speak about the Ngäi Tahu tradition of sustainable harvesting and preparation of titi, and try a free sample of this delicacy.

SUNDAY 15 JUNE

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.

Matariki Star Lab Sessions
10.30am–11.30am & 1.30pm–2.30pm
Level 4 Workshop.
Visit the mini-planetarium Star Lab, enjoy locating the different stars, and learn about the significance of Matariki to Māori. Sessions at 1.30pm are in te reo Māori.
Sessions last 45 minutes and numbers are limited to the first 20 people. Bookings are available on the day, in person only, at PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4.

HORIZON 08: RiZing of Kiwi Cultures
11am–4pm
Throughout Te Papa.
Satisfy Your Cravings Productions present this day for youth, with food, hip-hop, competitions, cultural groups, and music celebrating Pacific cultures. Highlights include performances by The Laughing Samoans and the Musical Island Boys.

Decorate a Matariki magnet
11–12 noon
Inspiration Station, Level 4.
Cost $2.

TUESDAY 17 JUNE

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.

WEDNESDAY 18 JUNE

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.

Kapa Haka Kura Tuarua- ā- Motu: Te Wharekura o Ruätoki
11am–11.30am
The Marae, Level 4.

Kapa Haka Kura Tuarua ā-Motu: Ritana
1pm–1.30pm
The Marae, Level 4.

THURSDAY 19 JUNE

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.

Kapa Haka Kura Tuarua ā-Motu: Wellington College and Wellington Girls’ College
1pm–1.30pm
The Marae, Level 4.

Art After Dark Toi o te Pö: Lisa Reihana’s New Installation
6.15pm–7.15pm
The Marae, Level 4.
Artist Lisa Reihana talks about her major new installation for Te Ara a Hine, the principal internal approach to Te Papa’s Marae.

Art After Dark Toi o te Pö: Seven Sisters Concert
7.30pm–8.30pm
The Marae, Level 4.
One Mäori oral traditional says that Matariki is a mother surrounded by her six daughters.

FRIDAY 20 JUNE

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.

SATURDAY 21 JUNE

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.

Matariki Star Lab Sessions
10.30am–11.30am & 1.30pm–2.30pm
Level 4 Workshop.
Visit the mini-planetarium Star Lab, enjoy locating the different stars, and learn about the significance of Matariki to Māori. Sessions at 1.30pm are in te reo Māori.
Sessions last 45 minutes and numbers are limited to the first 20 people. Bookings are available on the day, in person only, at PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4.

Ngä Manu Tukutuku (kite making and flying)
11am–5pm
Wellington Foyer, Level 2.
Learn how to make a traditional Mäori kite using modern materials with kite-making experts Verbina Kopa and Harko Brown.

Homefire Burning – Moving On Up
1pm–1.45pm
The Marae, Level 4.
Smooth roots reggae from this Kapiti Coast band, with Roger Rangitawa on taonga püoro (traditional Mäori musical instruments).

Rangi Kipa – Presented by toi iho™
2.30pm–4pm
The Marae, Level 4.
toi iho™ artist Rangi Kipa speaks about his work – taa moko (tattoo), sculpture, ethnographic taonga (treasures), and illustration – and recent international experience.

Aoraki
4pm–5pm
Soundings Theatre, Level 2.
Integrating dance, film, installation, and video, performance artist Louise Potiki Bryant honours the mountain Aoraki, a sacred tupuna (ancestor) of Ngäi Tahu.

SUNDAY 22 JUNE

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.

Matariki Star Lab Sessions
10.30am–11.30am & 1.30pm–2.30pm
Level 4 Workshop.
Visit the mini-planetarium Star Lab, enjoy locating the different stars, and learn about the significance of Matariki to Māori. Sessions at 1.30pm are in te reo Māori.
Sessions last 45 minutes and numbers are limited to the first 20 people. Bookings are available on the day, in person only, at PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4.

Ngä Manu Tukutuku (kite making and flying)
11am–5pm
Wellington Foyer, Level 2.
Learn how to make a traditional Mäori kite using modern materials with kite-making experts Verbina Kopa and Harko Brown.

Te Coasties
1pm–1.45pm
The Marae, Level 4.
Comedy duo Rapai Te Hau and Dale Ferris present the hilarious adventures of two East Coast Mäori girls in Wellington to play a gig.

Diane Prince – Presented by toi iho™
2.30pm–4pm
The Marae, Level 4.
Diane Prince – a toi iho™ artist specialising in multimedia, painting, weaving, installation, and set design – speaks about her work and commitment to Mäori rights and Mäori women’s issues.

Aoraki
4pm–5pm
Soundings Theatre, Level 2.
Integrating dance, film, installation, and video, artist Louise Potiki Bryant honours the mountain Aoraki, a sacred tupuna (ancestor) of Ngäi Tahu.

MONDAY 23 JUNE

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.

toi iho™ Visual Artist Showcase
10am–6pm
The Marae, Level 4.
These works from toi iho™ artists Rangi Kipa, Hepi Maxwell, Sonia Snowden, and Nadine Freundlich embody the meaning of Matariki by celebrating creativity and remembering the sources of each artist’s inspiration.

TUESDAY 24 JUNE

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.

toi iho™ Visual Artist Showcase
10am–6pm
The Marae, Level 4.
These works from toi iho™ artists Rangi Kipa, Hepi Maxwell, Sonia Snowden, and Nadine Freundlich embody the meaning of Matariki by celebrating creativity and remembering the sources of each artist’s inspiration.

WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.

toi iho™ Visual Artist Showcase
10am–6pm
The Marae, Level 4.
These works from toi iho™ artists Rangi Kipa, Hepi Maxwell, Sonia Snowden, and Nadine Freundlich embody the meaning of Matariki by celebrating creativity and remembering the sources of each artist’s inspiration.

THURSDAY 26 JUNE

Friends of Te Papa Tour: Kura kura Ngäi Tahu
9.30am–11am
Registration is essential. Phone the Friends office 04 382 705. Cost: Friends $12, public $18(includes refreshments).
Join Megan Tamati-Quennell, Curator Contemporary Mäori, for a tour of Kura kura Ngäi Tahu – the exhibition of contemporary works by Ngāi Tahu artists within Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation.

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.

toi iho™ Visual Artist Showcase
10am–9pm
The Marae, Level 4.
These works from toi iho™ artists Rangi Kipa, Hepi Maxwell, Sonia Snowden, and Nadine Freundlich embody the meaning of Matariki by celebrating creativity and remembering the sources of each artist’s inspiration.

Toni Huata – presented by toi iho™
6.30pm–7.30pm
The Marae, Level 4.
Singer, actor, director, and tutor Toni Huata is someone who 'dares to dream'. Her music reflects her deep cultural roots with vocals that range through jazz to soul to opera. Supported by some of Wellington's most talented musicians, tonight Toni sings jazz in Mäori.

Fashion Extravaganza
8pm–8.30pm
The Marae, Level 4.
Award Winning Mäori and Pacific costume and fashion designers Tutina Pasene, Jeanine Clarkin, Haina Cooper, Kohai Grace, and Shona Tawhia showcase their talent at this unique fashion show.

FRIDAY 27 JUNE

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.

toi iho™ Visual Artist Showcase
10am–6pm
The Marae, Level 4.
These works from toi iho™ artists Rangi Kipa, Hepi Maxwell, Sonia Snowden, and Nadine Freundlich embody the meaning of Matariki by celebrating creativity and remembering the sources of each artist’s inspiration.

Matariki Gala
7pm–12 midnight
Wellington Foyer, Level 2.
Cost $170 per person. Seats are limited and bookings essential. Call 04 3817468 or email matarikigala@tepapa.govt.nz
The annual Te Papa Matariki Gala has become a highlight of Wellington’s social calendar, bringing together the city’s cultural, artistic, and corporate communities to celebrate the Mäori New Year. Proudly sponsored by Te Rünanga o Ngäi Tahu, Te Puni Kökiri, New Zealand Post, Pharmac, Te Mängai Paho and Wellington City Council.

SATURDAY 28 JUNE

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.

Matariki Star Lab Sessions
10.30am–11.30am & 1.30pm–2.30pm
Level 4 Workshop.
Visit the mini-planetarium Star Lab, enjoy locating the different stars, and learn about the significance of Matariki to Māori. Sessions at 1.30pm are in te reo Māori.
Sessions last 45 minutes and numbers are limited to the first 20 people. Bookings are available on the day, in person only, at PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4.

toi iho™ Visual Artist Showcase
10am–6pm
The Marae, Level 4.
These works from toi iho™ artists Rangi Kipa, Hepi Maxwell, Sonia Snowden, and Nadine Freundlich embody the meaning of Matariki by celebrating creativity and remembering the sources of each artist’s inspiration.

Kaumätua Kapa Haka
11am–4pm
The Marae, Level 4; Wellington Foyer, Level 2; Soundings Theatre, Level 2.
This is a rare opportunity to witness the grace, elegance, and beauty of senior Māori performing artists from around the country. Each kaumätua (elder) group celebrates an iconic exponent of traditional Mäori performing arts, including Kingi Tahiwi, Sir Apirana Ngata, and Paraire Tomoana. The performances are both a glimpse into the past and a celebration of kaumātua.

SUNDAY 29 JUNE

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.

Matariki Star Lab Sessions
10.30am–11.30am & 1.30pm–2.30pm
Level 4 Workshop.
Visit the mini-planetarium Star Lab, enjoy locating the different stars, and learn about the significance of Matariki to Māori. Sessions at 1.30pm are in te reo Māori.
Sessions last 45 minutes and numbers are limited to the first 20 people. Bookings are available on the day, in person only, at PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4.

toi iho™ Visual Artist Showcase
10am–6pm
The Marae, Level 4.
These works from toi iho™ artists Rangi Kipa, Hepi Maxwell, Sonia Snowden, and Nadine Freundlich embody the meaning of Matariki by celebrating creativity and remembering the sources of each artist’s inspiration.

Kaumätua Kapa Haka
11am–4pm
The Marae, Level 4; Wellington Foyer, Level 2; Soundings Theatre, Level 2.
This is a rare opportunity to witness the grace, elegance, and beauty of senior Māori performing artists from around the country. Each kaumätua (elder) group celebrates an iconic exponent of traditional Mäori performing arts, including Kingi Tahiwi, Sir Apirana Ngata, and Paraire Tomoana. The performances are both a glimpse into the past and a celebration of kaumātua.

MONDAY 30 JUNE

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.


TUESDAY 1 JULY

Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
10.15am–3.45pm
StoryPlace, Level 2.
Cost $3 per person aged over one.
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
Tickets are available at the Information Desk, Level 2 up to seven days before a session. Phone the Enquiry Centre (04) 381 7000 to check availability. Phone bookings are available for groups of ten or more.

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