Te Papa calls for Matariki photos

Te Papa museum in Wellington is calling on people to take photos of their Matariki , or Maori New Year, celebrations.

The images would be part of an online collection, Te Papa exhibition manager Adan (correct) Tijerina said.

Maori New Year begins when the first moon appears after the star cluster, Matariki, is seen in early June.

Te Papa is holding an 18-day Matariki Festival from June 25.

Mr Tijerina said as part of the museum's celebrations, it was asking people to take photos of how they lived, worked, or played during Matariki.

"Anybody can participate and it's a great way to share your experience of Matariki with the rest of the nation."

In July, a panel of selectors would choose 48 of the most compelling images to be displayed on a massive screen outside Te Papa , Mr Tijerina said.

Images must be submitted by June 28.

Schools and community groups had already started uploading photos for the exhibition, Mr Tijerina said.

They can be viewed at www.ourspace.tepapa.com.

- NZPA