This year, for the first time, Matariki Festival includes events and activation's from community centres, giving Aucklanders even more opportunities to celebrate the Māori new year in their own neighbourhoods.
As we head into the final week of Matariki Festival 2019 and the start of the school holidays, we've picked out some great events at community centres across Tāmaki Makaurau.
See facebook.com/matarikituhaha for more details.
Star sewing workshops
When: Thurs 11 July, 10am–2pm
Where: New Lynn Community Centre
Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars, which rises in mid-winter and for many Māori, it signals the New Year. So, what better way to get in the spirit of Matariki than to join the recreators team at New Lynn Community Centre for a workshop on sewing beautiful stars! Come along and tap into your inner creativity, all whilst having a quality kōrero, with members of the community.
Mahi Toi Workshop
When: Thu 11 July, 4pm–6.30pm
Where: Wesley Community Centre
In celebration of Matariki, Wesley Community Centre will be hosting Mahi Toi Workshops.
These workshops are a chance for you to immerse yourself into the Māori culture and tap into your creative side by learning the skill of weaving and poi making.
Tāpiri
When: Daily 9am–5pm throughout the festival
Where: Mangere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku
Matariki is the perfect time to appreciate the different aspects of Māori tikanga/culture. In this exhibition you will be given the opportunity to see how the Māori culture places their mark on jewellery making. The exhibition is for small-but-perfectly-formed taonga whakarākei. It is a celebration of this jewellery, featuring carving or whakairo practice as well as raranga or weaving. Don’t miss out on your chance to indulge in the art of Māori Jewellery making!
Matariki Films
When: Until 14 July, 6pm–8pm daily
Where: Onehunga Community Centre
A week of Matariki Film brought specially to you by Onehunga Community Centre. This will include short films and a feature film which highlight the meaning of Matariki!
Te Manaaki o Te Marae
When: Until 14 July, 1pm–4pm daily
Where: Māngere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku
Experience the work of Te Rawhitiroa Bosch who through documentary photography provides an insight into the Manaaki Tāngata (taking care of people) programme which will be held at the Te Puea Memorial Marae in Māngere. Bosch pays special attention to key individuals who uphold tikanga (custom) and who form the heart and soul of the marae.
Celebrating Matariki
Historically the Māori new year provided the opportunity for communities to come together to acknowledge the year gone by and make plans for the years ahead; to celebrate with kai, kōrero and entertainment.
Today, everyone in Aotearoa has the opportunity to celebrate the unique places we live in, show respect for the land we live on and to share and grow together through Matariki experiences.
Come together with friends and whānau to take part in free events at your arts, community and event centres. Visit facebook.com/matarikituhaha for more details.
