Matariki is a special time for Jack Thatcher, captured here star gazing. Photo/file
Matariki is a special time for Jack Thatcher, captured here star gazing. Photo/file
What's on in this year's Tauranga Moana 2015 Matariki Festival. Events are listed chronologically.
Monday, June 15 to Thursday June 18 - Te Puna i Rangiriri Trust Events
Hikoi Tahi, with Jack Thatcher Enjoy an early morning observation of 'Te waka a Tamarereti' with recognised traditional navigator Jack Thatcher, who was awarded the 2013 Te Tohu a te Waka Toi for his contribution to the revitalisation of traditional navigation. He was also awarded the Te toa whakaihu waka 2015 for services to waka. Come learn about Matariki in a way that engages the community and encourages healthy practices. Where: Mauao Camp Ground When: 5.30am, June 15 to June 18 Cost: Free, no bookings required
Nga Whetu - Astronomy Presentation for kids Astronomy korero delivered by experts in a way that compliments the early morning hikoi and gives our schools an opportunity to participate in a stimulation learning environment. Where: Mauao Camp Ground When: 9.30am, 11am and 1pm*, June 15 to June 18 Cost: Gold coin entry, *bookings required
Taonga Puoro The sounds of traditional Maori instruments Where: Mauao Camp Ground When: June 15 to June 18 Cost: Gold coin entry, no bookings required
Mahi Raranga Maori weaving is full of symbolism and hidden meanings embodied with the spiritual values and beliefs of the Maori people. Come along and see a display of some beautiful weaving products and demonstrations by local weavers. Where: Mauao Camp Ground When: June 15 to June 18 Cost: Gold coin entry, no bookings required
Kasey and Karena Bird - Masterchef winners - will be on show as part of Matariki celebrations this month. Photo/John Borren
Manu Tukutuku The Maori kite is known as many tukutuku or manu aute. Kites were flown for many reasons in Maori history including for recreational purposes but also as a means of communication. Come along and see traditional and contemporary kites create by local students from all over Tauranga Moana. Where: Mauao Camp Ground When: 9am to 2.30pm, June 15 to June 18 Cost: Free, no bookings required
Waka Hourua and Star Presentations Join us to view Waka Hourua visual footage and learn first-hand from voyagers themselves about their adventures and experience. Where: Mauao Camp Ground When: 9am to 2.30pm, June 15 to June 18 Cost: Gold coin entry, no bookings required
Pamunoke - Worm Farming This workshop is aimed at educating schools about making a positive social and environmental change through worm farming and composting as a crucial waste solution. Where: Mauao Camp Ground When: 9.30am, 11am, 1pm* , June 15 to June 18 Cost: Free, *bookings required
Hauora Workshops A variety of health focused workshops and activities throughout the day including nutrition, fitness, Maori medicine and mirimiri. Where: Mauao Camp Ground When: 9am to 2.30pm, June 15 to June 18 Cost: Free, no bookings required
Rapuara - Career Workshops Come and check out what programmes our local tertiary institutions and iwi organisations are offering this year. Where: Mauao Camp Ground When: 9am to 2.30pm, June 15 to June 18 Cost: Free, no bookings required
Te Ao Hou - The New World Creations by renowned designers Jeanine Clarkin, Christopher Huia Woods and Shona Tawhio will grace the catwalk as models showcase a spectacular range of street wear, avant garde and harakeke couture. Includes garments from Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Bachelor of Fashion graduates, live music, Taonga Puoro and other performances. Complementary nibbles on arrival and cash bar available. Where: Tauranga Art Gallery When: Doors open at 6.30pm, show at 7pm, Thursday June 18. Cost: $20. $15 with student ID. Tickets available from Tauranga Art Gallery or call 07 578 7933 to book with a credit card.
Tauranga Art Gallery visitor host Teurin-Sophia Marsters at Tauranga Art Gallery. Photo/George Novak
Uku Rere, Nga Kaihanga Uku and Beyond Exhibition Te Whare Tawhiao by fashion designer Shona Tawhiao Exhibition Where: Tauranga Art Gallery When: From May 15 Cost: Gold coin donation
Waiorongomai Historic Walk Department of Conservation walk along restored old mining tramways (Moderate, some inclines, often flat at an easy pace for 3 - 6 hours) takes in several significant sites around the lower Waiorongomai goldfields. Where: Meet at DOC Tauranga, 253 Chadwick Rd West When: 9.30am to 3pm, Friday June 19 Cost: Free
Tangi Roreka with Jo'el Komene This workshop will introduce taonga puoro (traditional Maori musical instruments) and look at the instrument names gods and guardians, genealogy associated with the various instruments, construction techniques and protocols surrounding their appropriate use - embellished with demonstrations of each taonga puoro. You will also make a taonga puoro (koauau) and learn how to play it. For ages 13+ Where: Baycourt (June 23), Papamoa Library (July 7) When: 10am - 2pm, Tuesday June 23, 10a, - 2pm Tuesday, July 7 Cost: $4pp. Registration is required. Call 07 577 7220 or email Rangituaia.walker@tauranga.govt.nz to book.
Mana Rangatahi, Employ NZ Youth Workshop Moving from adolescence into adulthood can be an exciting yet daunting time of life. With prospects of traveling abroad, tertiary education, career pathways, relationships, moving out of home, bills, cars, and getting a J.O.B to pay for it all, the mind boggles. This workshop is an interactive and fun way to prepare for those inevitable interview with the people you want to impress. Where: Tauranga City Council, Willow St When: 10am - 1pm, Wednesday June 24 Cost: Free. For school leavers 15 - 18 years. Registration essential. Email Rangituaia.walker@tauranga.govt.nz or call 07 577 7220.
Matariki and The Night Sky The Tauranga Astronomical Society will explain how this event occurs, how other civilisations used similar solar cycles to mark the annual passage of time, as well as present the beauty and wonders of the sky at night. Where: Fergusson Park Observatory When: 7.30pm, Friday June 26 Cost: Adults $5. Children/students free. No booking required. Call 07 577 7177 for enquiries.
Lachlan Sloan-Scott adding Harakeke to his Manu Tukutuku as part of our learning around Matariki. Photo/Stuart Whitaker
Raranga, Kids Art Studio Shona Tawhiao, originally from Tauranga, has created a local and international profile for traditional and contemporary mahi raranga (flax weaving). Unlike most other designers, Shona mixes traditional Maori weaving with an eye for contemporary design. In this workshop children will explore the exhibition Te Whare Tawhiao and complete small raranga projects to take home. Where: Tauranga Art Gallery When: Saturday June 27, 5 - 8 years 10.30am - 12noon; 9 - 14 years 1pm - 2.30pm. Cost: $15 per child, prior payment secures booking (non-refundable). Please contact 07 578 7933 to book.
Te Reo Wainene O Tua, The Sweet Story of Yester-year An innovative Te Reo Maori language and 'storytelling' event that brings together a collective of high profile Te Reo Maori advocates to deliver captivating and relevant stories about our history in 100 per cent Te Reo Maori, to the tamariki and rangatahi of Aotearoa. Where: Baycourt Arts and Community Centre When: Monday, June 29 at 9.30am - 10am; 10.30am - 11am; 12 - 12.45pm; 1.15pm - 2pm. Wednesday, July 1 at 9.30am - 10.30am; 11am - 12noon; 1pm - 2pm. Registration essential. Email Rangituaia.walker@tauranga.govt.nz or call 07 577 7220.
Weaving Demonstrations at Creative Tauranga Parewhati Taikato, Bernie Ross and Rawinia Gray will be demonstration various types of weaving to the public. Types will include: Raranga (traditional Maori weaving); Kete Whakairo (patterned kete); Whatu (hand stitching technique, used to make cloaks and other wearables); and Putiputi (harakeke flowers). Where: Creative Tauranga, Willow St When: 10am - 3pm, Tuesday June 30; Friday July 3; Monday July 6; Tuesday July 7 and Wednesday July 8. Cost: Free, no booking required.
Uke Rere, Kids Art Studio Exploring the exhibition Uku Rere: Nga Kaihanga Uku and Beyond and the themes of Matariki, children will create an artwork in clay to take home. Where: Tauranga Art Gallery When: Monday July 6, 1 - 3pm (6 - 8 yrs); Tuesday July 7, 11am - 12noon (3 yrs) and 1pm - 3pm (10 - 12 years); Wednesday July 8, 10am - 11.30am (4 - 5 yrs); 1pm - 3pm (10 - 12yrs); Thursday July 9, 10am - 11.30am (4 - 5 yrs) and 1pm - 3pm (8 - 10yrs); Friday July 10, 10am - 12noon (6 - 8yrs) and 1pm - 3pm (10 - 12yrs) Cost: $20 per child or any two bookings for $35, prior payment secures booking (non-refundable). Contact 07 578 7933 to book.
Stories and Songs for Early Childhood Centres Tauranga City Libraries are offering four opportunities for Early Childhood Centres to bring children to the library for a Matariki themed story time. This will include songs, stories, information, a play and their own Matariki stars to take home. Where: Tauranga Library When: Sessions run from 10.30am - 11.30am Monday June 22; Wednesday June 24; Wednesday July 1 and Thursday July 2. Cost: Free, bookings are essential as each session is limited to 40 children. To book, phone 07 577 7177 or email library@tauranga.govt.nz
Tauranga Waka housed at the end of The Strand. Photo/file
Po Purakau, Evening of Stories Come in your pyjamas and experience the magic of listenign to a good night time story told by local storytellers using Te Reo Maori and English. Bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and a torch if you have one. All whanau are welcome. Where: Papamoa Library When: 6pm - 7.30pm, Thursday July 16 Cost: Free. Registration required. Pop into you local library, phone 07 577 7177 or email library@tauranga.govt.nz
Tatai Aoranga, Language of the Stars Soon after separating Ranginui (sky father) and Papatuanuku (earth mother), Tane travelled into the heavens with the various celestial bodies to suspend them int he sky, bringing light unto the world. Within the basket 'Te Mangaora' Tane carried the stars, from which he drew forth the brightest and placed them against the chest of Ranginui. So enthralled was Tane at what he had achieved that he accidentially knocked the basket over scattering the remaining stars across the cosmos. As the stars spilled from the basket they clattered against one and other creating a ringing sound that resonated throughout the universe. Dr Rangi Matamua will examine the origins of Maori astronomy while looking at some of the major star groups before moving into discussing Matariki. Where: Tauranga Council Chambers, Willow St When: Friday July 10, 5.45pm - 6.45pm. Cost: Free, registration required. Contact 07 577 7177 or library@tauranga.govt.nz
Te Awanui Waka Restoration project Te Awanui waka on The Strand was built in the 1970s after a request by the city to the Maori Cultural and Promotional Committee. It was agree that Tauranga Moana should have its own ceremonial waka to use on special occasions when celebrating the history of Tauranga. As part of Matariki the carved pieces of the waka are undergoing basic restorative work. Where: Waka Shelter, The Strand When: 10am - 2pm, Monday July 13 and Wednesday July 15. Cost: Free, contact 07 577 7177 or bernie.johnson@tauranga.govt.nz
Matariki 2014 kite flying at Gate Pa School (left to right) Atareta Christie, Jocelyn Pearce, Angleah Fraser and Nevaeh Griffiths-Reid. Photo/file
Matariki Kite Day Come fly with us at the Matariki Kite Day, bring your own set of wings or watch the spectacular kite display, look for a poppy, a bear and other unusual things. Where: Fergusson Park, Matua When: 12 - 4pm, Saturday, July 11 Cost: Free
Master Chefs 2014, Kasey and Karena Bird Meet Master Chefs 2014, Kasey and Karena Bird who have been enjoying life with everything food since their win on Masterchef New Zealand 2014, which saw them become the first ever Masterchef Duo winners in the world. Where: Papamoa Library When: 11.30am - 1.30pm, Saturday, July 18 Admission: $5. Ticket sales from Papamoa and Tauranga libraries. Payment secures booking.
Wairere Falls Historic Walk The Wairere Falls track takes walkers through a beautiful, diverse range of natural scenery. Besides the spectacular 153m high falls ther eare beautiful river falls and cascades, a fine grove of nikau, puriri and kohekohe, and an upper section of track takes you through tree ferns and totara in native forest. Where: Meet at DOC Tauranga, 253 Chadwick Rd West When: 9.30am to 3.30pm, Tuesday July 7 Cost: Free
