A Tauranga creative hub is working on bringing together a series events in preparation for Matariki.

Matariki is the celebration of the arrival of the Maori New Year and happens each year, as the winter stars of Matariki come into view.

A team from The Incubator Creative Hub and Okorore Nga Toi Maori are working to bring together events at the Tauranga Historic Village as part of the wider Matariki Tauranga Moana programme running from mid-June to mid-July.
'This year our exhibition lineup includes Te Iwa o Matariki - Michelle Estall, Nga Whetu Katoa -Michelle Arnold, Nga Whetu O Matariki -Nixon Mohi, Atua Maori - Louis Mikaere, and Moemoea featuring the collective of artists including Julie Paama-Pengelly, Linda Munn, Chontelle Hohaia, Areena Smith, Israel Randell, Jera Mae and ArpégeTaratoa,” says The Incubator Creative Hub spokesperson Ayesha Kee.

The five exhibitions will run from June 11 to July 5 at Tauranga Historic Village.

Each year, the winter stars of Matariki signal the arrival of the Māori New Year. Traditionally, the rise of Matariki was a sign to ensure food crops had been harvested and the storehouses were well-stocked for the coming year.

Nowadays, Matariki has become a time of revitalisation and resurgence of te reo Maori and matauranga Maori. Matariki is an opportunity to reflect and celebrate our history and make plans for the future.

In 2021 Matariki will be celebrated between June 19 and July 11.
'This year we are introducing the inaugural Matariki market to be held in the Historic Village celebrating kaupapa Maori creatives and sustainability. We anticipate this being a wonderful well supported new initiative.”

The Matariki Market at Tauranga Historic Village will be held on June 27 from 9am – 2pm, and will feature Maori healers and live music.
Ayesha says over the four weeks of Matariki, there will also be a showcase of Maori film and directors in the Tauranga Village Cinem on June 17 and 24, and July 1 and 7.

Musical performances will be held with Grant Haua on June 12, Toi Ohomai music students on June 24 and Katana Edwards – Dance of the Kahu on July 3.

Workshops being run include learning how to save seeds, and workshops on contemporary Maori graphic art, brush lettering, hip hop, and balms.

'We will update you as more events are announced as we approach the Matariki - Maori New Year,” says Ayesha.
"Come and join us in celebrating Matariki, an opportunity for our local Maori artists to share their matauranga with our community."

Updates on Matariki Tauranga Moana including the Incubator Creative Hub events can be found at https://www.facebook.com/matarikitaurangamoana