Ōtautahi is home to talented Māori artists who shine through every creative practice within our communities. Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre invites you to celebrate Matariki 2022 as they partner with some amazing local artists and showcase ngā toi (the arts) through the nine bright whetū (stars) of Matariki. Gather your whānau and friends to enjoy a range of events to mark the occasion.

View the full programme and buy tickets at artscentre.org.nz

AD PARNASSUM – PURAPURAWHETŪ

Starts 21 June, North Quad

In this dance film by Arts Laureate Daniel Belton being projected in the North Quad, dancers become part of a shared visual and sculptural language. Ad Parnassum – Purapurawhetū metamorphosises as stories are synchronised to Dame Gillian Whitehead’s music. Music drives this work in an elongated vista brimming with movement and colour.

THE LION KING REO MĀORI

23 June–7 July, Lumière Cinemas

The ’90s Disney classic is revoiced in Te Reo Māori. A crown prince lion cub is tricked into believing he caused his father’s death by his wicked uncle. He flees in despair until his identity and responsibilities become clear in adulthood. It is a film full of colourful animal characters and a classic battle between good and evil. The film’s rating is TBC.

TH’ORCHARD DREAMERS CHAPTER 2

1 July, Great Hall

Come and commune with th’Orchard as they share their stories through song, spoken word, and visual art, telling their journey under Waipunarangi – the water that pools in the sky. Dreamers Chapter 2 continues the story th’Orchard began during Matariki 2021. Artists include the amazing Mark Vanilau, Henare Kaa, Courtney Reid, and Kate McLeod.

HIWA-I-TE-RANGI

8 June–9 July, Pūmanawa Exhibition Space

Hiwa-i-te-Rangi, te whetū o ngā wawata. Inspired by Hiwa-i-te-Rangi the whetū of people’s aspirations, nine Māori artists celebrate Matariki at the Pūmanawa Exhibition Space. The exhibition will showcase ngā Toi Māori, including Raranga, Whakairo, Waituhi, and Pakoko. Exhibiting artists include Paula Rigby, Fayne Robinson, Riki Manuel, Zena Elliot, Helena Rollo, Lisa Harding, and more.

KAPA HAKA SHOWCASE

3 July, Great Hall

Bring the whole whānau to enjoy a showcase of this ancient and living, Māori cultural performing artform featuring kaitiaki and performers from Te Ahikaaroa, Ngā Manu a Tāne, and Te Pou Tūmārō. Come watch and hear these rōpū celebrate being Māori, whānau, tikanga and reo, and join in with a waiata or two and some actions! Set in the iconic Great Hall, this is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

PŌHUTAKAWA

5 July, Great Hall

Pōhutukawa is a sound and movement experience created by Byllie-Jean, featuring some of Aotearoa’s finest performers, including Taonga Pūoro practitioner Māhina Kaui, cousins Seta Timo and Iona Ulaula as the rhythm section, vocalists Ana Fa’au and Grace Thorpe, and a guest appearance by current artist in residence Asher Newbery. It reflects the cyclical nature of life and its phases of death, birth, and the spaces in between.

Matariki celebrations - The Arts Centre