Waikato Museum is one of the venues hosting Matariki celebrations and has just opened a new exhibition themed according to the celebrations.
Maiangi Waitai: Ātea-ā-Rangi - Interstellar is the name of the exhibition that reimagines oral history traditions related to the Matariki constellation and explores empowerment, generosity, gratitude and protection of culture and the environment.
Ātea-ā-Rangi—Interstellar is a project of New Zealand artist Maiangi Waitai and toured by the Dowse Art Museum. For the exhibition, Waitai created a superhero figure for each star, complete with its own packaging, to offer a different perspective on the time of renewal that begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster.
Waikato Museum director Cherie Meecham says this vibrant exhibition is a fun and educational experience for the whole whānau, bursting with bright colours and cross-cultural characters.
"I'm delighted we're in a position to open this unique new exhibition. We will take visitors on a journey of celebration and discovery to signal the Māori New Year. If there's one place to celebrate Matariki this year, it's here at Waikato Museum."
