Te Waiatatanga Mai o te Atua The Song of the Gods

Te Waiatatanga Mai o te Atua The Song of the Gods is Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre’s brand-new permanent exhibition, opening to the public on Monday 17 June during our Matariki 2024 celebrations. The exhibition tells a version of the Ngāi Tahu creation story, as written down in 1849 by Matiaha Tiramōrehu. Six Ngāi Tahu artists have reinterpreted Tiramōrehu’s story, including New Zealand Arts Laureate Dr Areta Wilkinson, who acted as Creative Lead on the project. Together, they have created an immersive, sensory experience with artworks on a monumental scale.

Artists include:

• Dr Areta Wilkinson (Ngāi Tahu)
• Turumeke Harrington (Kāi Tahu, Rangitāne)
• Alex McLeod (Ngāi Tahu, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Rangi, Tainui, Ngāti Porou)
• Kate Stevens West (Ngāi Tahu)
• Christine Harvey (Ngāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, Moriori, Ngāti Mutunga, Te Ati Awa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira)
• Ariana Tikao (Kāi Tahu)
  

Artwork by Christine Harvey. 

This exhibition was funded by 

This event is part of Matariki 2024, where we're celebrating Matariki with talented artists from Ōtautahi and beyond. Bring your friends and whānau to Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre (17 - 30 Pipiri June) for music, exhibitions, kapa haka, wānanga (workshops), kai, Tīrama Mai, special mākete and much more.