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Shining an artistic light on Matariki
Artstation celebrates Matariki, Maori new year, with a mixed-media group exhibition Into the Light on show from 25 June to 12 July.
The exhibition explores the significance of Matariki, which is a time of harvest and an opportunity to preserve and reflect the past, as well as nurture the future.
Artists have taken the central theme of light as a starting point in developing their art work.
"The works that make up Into the Light express all the positive things light evokes such as growth and nurturing, which are part of what Matariki is all about," says exhibition curator and artist Charlotte Graham.
Natalie Couch and daughter, Mumu Te Awha Couch, aged five, explore imagery associated with memory and renewal in an installation using cut paper, light and screen printing. Artist Wi Te Tau Pirika Taepa will show carved works in clay, a significant medium for Matariki as it reflects the body of Papatuanuku, the earth mother.
The exhibition opening night is 24 June and promises to be a festive event with performances by singer-songwriter Nat Rose and DJ Mr Gene Rivers.
Free lunchtime Matariki Native Noise concert
Get along to Aotea Square on 13 June for a free Native Noise lunchtime concert from 11am to 1pm to celebrate Matariki Festival 08.
A fantastic line up of Kiwi musicians will play their relaxed melodies, including Ora Hohaia (rhythm and blues) Bethany Edmunds (soul) and Katz Maihi (acoustic, reggae and roots).
Matariki or Maori new year is a time to celebrate the arts. This free lunchtime concert is proudly brought to you by Auckland City Council and Ngati Whatua o Orakei.
The concert is a taste of what to expect at the Native Noise concert on Friday, 4 July at the Auckland Town Hall, featuring leading musicians like Kora, Katchafire and Tiki Taane.
Saturdays light up at Auckland Museum for Matariki
Every Saturday from late June to early July, Auckland Museum celebrates Matariki with a free programme of events for the whole family. Matariki will this year focus on Tane Mahuta – God of the Forest.
Matariki is the Maori name for the star cluster, also known as Pleiades, that appears over a period from late June to early July signaling the beginning the Maori New Year. It was traditionally a time for planting and harvesting, of family coming together to celebrate their joys, to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Children were taught folklore and about their heritage, while knowledge and history was shared through song, dance, story telling, carving, weaving and ceremonies.
This year, Matariki at Auckland Museum will focus on Tane Mahuta – God of the Forest, with a range of programmes designed for the whole whanau, from craft activities and slide shows to films, music, talks and tours.
MATARIKI HIGHLIGHTS
A fun free afternoon of music with multi award-winning artist Ruia Aperahama kicks off the celebrations. Ruia penned the classic "What's The Time Mr. Wolf?" which featured in the Once Were Warriors movie and soundtrack and he has gone on to perform at WOMAD, two Olympic Festivals, and in Europe.
Mana Waka is the 1991 feature-length documentary showing the long, slow unfolding of the construction of three large waka taua (war canoe) which were commissioned for the 1940 centenary of the Treaty of Waitangi by Princess Te Puea Herangi. The documentary, directed by Mereta Mita, uses footage shot by RGH Manley between 1937 and 1940.
Two forms of craft synonymous with Tane will also be on demonstration throughout Matariki. Raranga is the art of flax weaving that is full of symbolism, hidden meanings, and the embodiment of spiritual values and beliefs of the Maori people. Toi Whakairo shows the process of carving with master carver Rangi Wills, demonstrating his exquisite carving skills and knowledge of whakairo. One of Aotearoa's most renowned carvers and a Toi Iho award winner, Wills shares with audiences his knowledge and korero of whakairo with respect to Tane.
Te Wao Nui a Tane (A Talk on the Realm of Tane) with Kipa Rangiheuea is one of three talks this season which teaches the Maori customs and protocols relating to the world of Tane. This is followed by Stanley Conrad's recollections of captaining the waka hourua Te Aurere using traditional methods such as the sun, the night sky, and ocean currents to navigate their way from New Zealand to Rangitoto with Te Matauranga o Nga Whetu Me Whakatere Moana (Astronomy and Ocean Navigation).
He Korero mo Matariki: Stephen Bradshaw will explore the evolution of the Matariki Festival as a unifying event and will cover it's renaissance following a period of suppression of this major traditional celebration.
Children can also learn about the traditions of Matariki in interactive and exciting activities. Pacific Educator Leilani Salesa and Ma'ara Maeva discuss the Stories Celebrating Matariki in the Wider Pacific – poetry, song, ukulele demonstration, dance and puppetry will no doubt engage all the senses. Toi Harakeke and Face Painting will also be on offer for kids, learning how to make a wearable Matariki crown from flax and adorn Maori symbols on their face. As always, Weird and Wonderful will be providing Matariki storytelling, with Nga Pakiwaitara mo Matariki.
MATAKIRI FESTIVAL at the Auckland Museum runs June 7th – July 28th 2008
View the full programme of events.
Celebrate Maori new year with Matariki Festival 2008
29 May 2008
Matariki is based on early traditions, and something special for all New Zealanders to share. It connects us with our unique Maori heritage, nature and creative expression.
This year's Auckland regional festival hosts an exciting programme of over 50 events and activities at various venues from 5 June to 5 July. Many of these are free.
The festival lets people get involved, learn about Maori culture and try something new.
Matariki Festival regional coordinator Mei Hill says the festival is gaining popularity.
"It's heartening that so many people everywhere are interested in experiencing Maori culture – Matariki is the perfect way in.
"Matariki signals the beginning of a new cycle of life and a time to reflect on the previous year. It's a time to acknowledge Te Tau Hou (Maori new year)," she says.
The festival features short films, art exhibitions, concerts from many local artists, tree planting, traditional food, workshops and educational sessions.
Highlights include:
Native Noise on Friday 4 July at 7.30pm
A concert featuring leading Kiwi musicians in the historic setting of the Auckland Town Hall. Performers include Kora, Katchafire, Tiki Taane, Ladi 6, DJ Poroufessor.E Whitu Nga Whetu on Monday 28 June at 7.30pm
The Rauru artists collective presents an evening of star-gazing with a fine selection of Maori-inspired designer fashion, food and drinks. This spectacular showcase at Hopetoun Alpha will feature live entertainment including leading musicians, poets and designers.
Matariki Festival 2008 is supported by Auckland City Council in collaboration with Manukau, North Shore and Waitakere city councils, Creative New Zealand and the Arts Regional Trust through the regional Maori arts development reference group Toi Whenua.
View the full programme of events.
