Matariki 2024
17 - 30 Pipiri June 2024
Venue: Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre
Let creativity be a guiding star this Matariki.
The Great Hall will go off with Dillastrate x Harmony & Rhythm on 20 Piripi (June), then Māmā Mihirangi and special guests the following two nights. Experience for the first time Te Waiatatanga Mai o Te Atua (Song of the Gods), a brand-new Ngāi Tahu exhibition opening in the Observatory Tower. Immerse yourself in the New Zealand première of award-winning multi-dimensional dance film Potaka Nautilus by arts laureate Daniel Belton and Good Company Arts. Bring your whānau to the special Garden City Mākete Matariki for kai, a hands-on workshop, and the ever-popular kapa haka showcase.
Also, in and around Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, you’ll be able to enjoy Tīrama Mai - Ōtautahi’s light festival, and go to events for Matariki Kai by Eat New Zealand.
About Matariki
Matariki is the Māori New Year based on the lunar calendar. It is a time to celebrate new life, remember those who’ve passed on, and plan for the future. The start of the new dawn is a time to gather with whānau and friends and celebrate what has been and what is to come.
The full name of the Matariki star cluster is “Ngā mata o te ariki Tāwhirimātea” – the eyes of the ariki Tāwhirimātea, god of the winds and weather. When Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatūānuku, the earth mother, were separated from their dark embrace by Tāne, Tāwhirimātea was distraught. He tore out his eyes, crushed them into pieces and stuck them onto the chest of the sky.
This star cluster is known by many names throughout the world. In Hawaii it is known as Makali’i – eyes of the king, in Greece it is known as Pleiades, and in Japan it is most famously known as Subaru.
The nine stars in the constellation of Matariki oversee different areas of importance in Māori life. They are; Matariki, Pōhutukawa, Waitī, Waitā, Waipuna-ā-rangi, Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi, Ururangi, and Hiwa-i-te-rangi. Early Māori did not view the constellation as a whole when gaining knowledge for the year ahead, but instead sought insight from the individual stars.
For mana whenua Ngāi Tūāhuriri, Matariki is an important time. This is the time when whānau ensure their pātaka (food storehouses) are full. It is a time for them to reflect and plan how the land and waterways should be nurtured and prepared to ensure a bountiful and sustainable harvest season.
Thanks to our generous sponsors
Events
Kommi Me Ana Taipō
Sat 29 Pipiri June Great Hall
Kommi is an Lyttelton-based vocalist who performs entirely in the Kāi Tahu dialect. A bit swampy, a bit witchy, gliding and fluttering through te reo Māori rapsongs, Kommi (Kāi Tahu, Te-Āti-Awa) will Find out more
Whetū Harakeke Sessions
Sat 29 Pipiri June Great Hall
Join Lisa Harding from the Kahu Collective and learn how to work with harakeke to create a whetū (star). Ideal for ages 8-12. Find out more
SOLD OUT: Kapa Haka in the Great Hall
Sun 30 Pipiri June Great Hall
Bring the whole whānau for a taste of this ancient and living Māori artform. Experience local rōpū celebrate being Māori, whānau, tikanga and reo, and join in with a waiata or two and some actions. Find out more
National Treasures
Mon 17 - Sun 30 Pipiri June Boys’ High
Fabric artist Maungarongo Te Kawa has gathered together story quilts from past Matariki into an exhibition about National Treasures. Find out more
Te Waiatatanga Mai o te Atua The Song of the Gods
Open daily from Monday 17 Pipiri June Observatory, Biology and Physics
A brand-new permanent exhibition - one of deep significance for Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre. The exhibition takes as its starting point a version of the Ngāi Tahu creation story. Find out more
Kai te Whakamatua Anō te Iwi - The People Are Resting
Tue 18 Pipiri June - Sat 13 Hōngongoi July Common Room
Honouring the craftsmanship and significance of the tools employed by takata whenua across generations, carefully curated by kaimahi at Te Whare Tapere in partnership with Canterbury Museum. Find out more
Matariki Midwinter Celebration
19 - 30 Pipiri June Chemistry
This Matariki we invite you to take part in some special activities in the UC Teece Museum with your whānau as you remember, celebrate and look to the future.
Find out more
Pōtaka Nautilus
Mon 17 - Sun 30 Pipiri June Cloisters Studio
A mind-blowing experience. Te Matatiki Toi Ora is honoured to host the New Zealand premiere of this immersive work that opened in Spain last October to critical acclaim. Potaka Nautilus is the result Find out more
Matariki Mākete
Thu 27 & Fri 28 Pipiri June Market Square
Two unforgettable evenings under the stars with Garden City Mākete! Support over 60 local artisans, enjoy live performances and treat yourself to delicious kai. Find out more
Stone Hammering Pendant
Fri 28 Pipiri June School of Art
An incredible opportunity to learn the ancient stone-hammering technique that Dr Areta Wilkinson (Kāi Tahu) uses in her jewellery practice and create your own unique wearable piece in copper to take h Find out more
Tīrama Mai - Bringing the Light
21 to 30 June Arts Centre wide
Celebrate Puaka-Matariki in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Find out more
Other Events You Might Like
Not Your Typical Poetry Workshop!
Tuesday 9 July 2024 Chemistry
Local poet and author Rebecca Nash invites you to explore new and old favourite forms of poetry in this workshop for young writers.
Create Art with Colourful Pastels
Specific days during School Holidays First floor, Boys’ High
Artist Maxine Burney offers a fun and creative learning space for you to explore your own original art.
Free
From Olympia to New Zealand: Highlighting New Zealand’s Olympic History
Everyday during School Holidays Chemistry
While at the Museum take the time to explore the rest of our exhibition Myths and Mortals to learn more about the culture that brought us the Olympic Festival.
Free
Not Your Typical Poetry Workshop!
Tuesday 9 July 2024 Chemistry
Local poet and author Rebecca Nash invites you to explore new and old favourite forms of poetry in this workshop for young writers.
Create Art with Colourful Pastels
Specific days during School Holidays First floor, Boys’ High
Artist Maxine Burney offers a fun and creative learning space for you to explore your own original art.
Free
From Olympia to New Zealand: Highlighting New Zealand’s Olympic History
Everyday during School Holidays Chemistry
While at the Museum take the time to explore the rest of our exhibition Myths and Mortals to learn more about the culture that brought us the Olympic Festival.