Matariki extravaganza under way at Te Puia

Plenty of family friendly activities at New Zealand Maori Arts and Craft Institute Matariki celebrations. Photo/Supplied

Fierce kapa haka competition, live ta moko, and plenty of family friendly activities are all set for the New Zealand Maori Arts and Craft Institute's Matariki celebrations.

The institute's general manager, Eraia Kiel, said the events made for an exciting few weeks at Te Puia with Rotorua residents able to visit for free with a whanau card and celebrations accessible to everyone.

Mr Kiel said the celebration had three components, Manutukutuku, Matakamokamo and Mata Ora, which represented the concepts below and above the ground as well as the celestial environment in the skies above.

Matariki is the Maori name for the star cluster known as the Pleiades. Traditionally, it appeared just before dawn in late May or early June, signalling the start of the Maori New Year.

"Manutukutuku, or Maori kite flying, is one way our Maori people would traditionally communicate spiritually with the heavens," he said.

"Maori kite flying traditions have a highly symbolic connection to Matariki - the two were historically inseparable, as it was our link to the celestial world."

The Matakamokamo element references a Te Arawa ancestor particularly known for skills in haka prompting the development of an exciting Super 9 Kapa Haka competition.

Teams of nine performers will battle for nine minutes each at Te Iwa o Matariki Jojo Super 9 Kapa Haka competition, with the finals on June 30.

The competition is also in memory of the late Jojo Waaka, a former employee of Te Puia and well-known kapa haka exponent.

"The format combines traditional kapa haka with innovative entertainment. What better way to acknowledge the great star Jojo was," said Mr Kiel.

He said Mataora represented activity below the ground, incorporating ta moko as part of this. Legend has it that Mataora was responsible for bringing ta moko to the world after he journeyed to Rarohenga (the underworld) to win back the heart of his wife, Niwareka.

Live ta moko will be carried out onsite at Te Whare Tapere during the first week, accompanied by lunchtime lectures on the history and tradition of the artform.

Mr Kiel said the Matariki celebrations were a way of embracing the wider community and acknowledging everyone who has been a part of the institute for the past 50 years.

"Come and join with us to celebrate our history and legacy."

Rotorua residents can join in the festivities for free by signing up for the annual Te Puia whanau card with proof of Rotorua residency required. New Zealand residents can also receive a preferential rate with proof of New Zealand residency.

EVENTS DURING THE MATARIKI EXTRAVAGANZA

- Matariki lectures, June 19-23, 9am, at Te Aronui a Rua.
- Ta Moko demonstrations, June 19-25, between 9am and 4pm at Te Whare Tapere. Daily lectures at 12.30pm.
- Matariki Whaakari, June 19-23, 11am and 1.30pm, and June 26-30, 11am only. Play by Ahorangi Next Generation showcasing the nine signs of Matariki.
- Manutukutuku (kite making), June 26-30 between 9am and 4pm at Te Whare Tapere.
- Te Iwa o Matariki - Te Jojo Super 9 Kapa Haka Competition from June 26-30 between 1.15pm and 3pm at Te Aronui a Rua.