Māori Art Celebrated For Matariki

A selection of contemporary and historical Māori art will be showcased as part of an “outdoor exhibition” across Tāmaki Makaurau for Matariki.

The Hononga campaign will see works from 25 artists presented on Go Media’s Auckland network of 35 digital billboards for the next few weeks.

Campaign coordinator Tracey Tawhiao (Ngai te Rangi, Whakatohea, Tuwharetoa) whose art also features on the billboards says Hononga means connection and the exhibition is about sharing the harvest of creativity from a Māori world view.

“As both an artist and the designer of the billboards, I wanted to honour Matariki in the best way possible, with Aroha. Art to me is true honest love. Something inside is made manifest outside of us,” says Tawhiao.

“The Art speaks to Matariki as a time of reflection, remembrance, and regeneration. It speaks to harvest, whānau, and the sacredness of Māori cosmology — but also to our place in Aotearoa today. Together they tell a diverse story of who we are while connecting us directly to the Stars of Matariki.

“It’s crucial that Māori artists share their vision and creativity during Matariki. These artworks share our world view on all things called life. It’s important to celebrate at the time for celebration.

Go Media’s Managing Director Mike Gray says Hononga is a strong visual campaign that demonstrates the outdoor media company’s commitment to uplifting Māori voices and creativity through large-scale public art.

“We’re proud to use our billboards as cavasses to share these incredible works. The exhibition features pieces from well-known artists as well as up-and-comers.

“Hononga is a chance for everyone to engage with these art works while they are out and about. We hope they’ll help people to consider the meaning of Matariki, reflect on the year that has been and what’s ahead,” says Gray.

Tawhiao says the billboards give art space to be seen by anyone and everyone.

“The public deserve great visual feasts and food for thought in their every day. This is a feast for our collective mind, body and soul… all you need is to see.

“I’m grateful to Go Media for making space for Māori art and artists. Its partnership helps uplift our stories, histories and love for our Te Ao universe.

“It’s a good vibe when together we can honour kaupapa Māori in a genuine and practical way,” says Tawhiao.

Artists involved:

1. Fred Graham
2. Robyn Kahukiwa
3. Ralph Hotere
4. George Nuku
5. Leon Kipa
6. Gordon Hatfield
7. John Miller
8. Jos Wheeler
9. Claudine Muru
10. Raukura Turei
11. Tracey Tawhiao
12. Natasha Keating
13. Tame Iti
14. Rakai Karaitiana
15. Daniel Tippett
16. Rongotai Lomas
17. Ra Gossage
18. Hollie Tawhiao
19. Linda Tuafale
20. Chantel Matthews
21. Vaimala Urale
22. Mei Hill
23. Thomas Kirkwood
24. Charlotte Graham
25. Darryl Thompson (DLT)
     

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