Preparations under way for Matariki
Matariki is upon us once more, and there is plenty in store for southerners hoping to celebrate Maori New Year.
Venture Southland creative projects manager Angela Newell said Invercargill City Libraries and Archives, the Southland Museum and Art Gallery and Venture Southland had teamed up this year to put on a full spread.
Celebrations will begin on June 15, with a presentation on the Matariki constellation by Southland Astronomical Society and Dean Whaanga of Ngai Tahu at the library from 7pm.
A special storytelling evening for children will be at the library on June 19, when they will have the chance to make their own constellation to take home with them.
Last year, a selection of films from the Wairoa Maori Film Festival attracted about 180 people, so they’ve brought a whole new selection for this year’s celebrations, Newell said.
Seven films will be shown on a loop at the museum’s theatre on June 20 and 21.
Meanwhile, the museum will also host weaving workshops with Winnie Solomon, as well as an exhibition by Stephen Mulqueen, the Southland Art Foundation William Hodges Fellow entitled WHAKAMAORITANGA/ Translations.
Mulqueen’s work is a 360-degree landscape map which encircles the gallery walls, transporting the viewer to the top of Motupohue/Bluff Hill.
A variety of kapa haka events will also be held at both venues, Newell said. Short Films on show for Matariki In The Rubbish Tin, by Riwia Brown. Footsteps, by Lennie Hill. The Tohunga, by Rebecca Collins. Ahi Ka, by Richard Curtis. Ross and Beth, by Hamish Bennett. Home, by Apirana Ipo. Te MaipiInc’d, by Darren Simmonds
Are you holding a special celebration for Matariki this year? Let us know at news@stl.co.nz