Media Release
13 June 2006

Manukau City celebrates Matariki

Matariki, the Maori New Year, will be ushered in with week-long celebrations in Manukau from 26 – 30 June.

At Manukau Libraries, the theme for the celebrations is ‘Navigate – Te Aro o Nga Whetu’.

The celebrations start with a dawn ceremony at Te Matariki Clendon Community Centre and Library where the lights inside the Star Waka sculpture, which greets visitors to the centre, will be switched on for the first time.

Other events in Manukau Libraries include cartoon workshops by Noora Te Hira, bi-lingual story-times for the pre-schoolers, kapahaka performances and visits by the Mai FM Street Team.

Library festivities culminate on Friday 30 June with a gala evening of food, fashion and entertainment at Te Matariki Clendon Community Centre and Library.

Manukau Arts is also celebrating with an exhibition of works by local artists at Fresh Gallery Otara, influenced by the Matariki star constellation, a photographic exhibition of Matariki 2005 fashion designs at Mangere Arts Centre, a free concert at Otara Flea Market and a workshop on traditional Maori music at the Otara Music Arts Centre.

A full programme on Matariki events in Manukau city is attached.

ENDS

See... Matariki programme (PDF)

CELEBRATE MATARIKI 06
with Manukau Arts

Te Pai te Whai – Rawa o Tamaki (The Luxury and Wealth of Tamaki)
Opens : 21 June.
In this exhibition Chinese artists collaborate with artists from other ethnic groups. The six Manukau artists involved are of Chinese, Maori and Pacific Island descent. Featured artists include: Serene Tay, Lorraine King and Hahui Wang, who was the winner of the Best Traditional Techniques Award at the Iris Fisher Art Awards in 2004. The works consist of painting, tapa, tukutuku panels, weaving and sculpture.
Serene Tay, an emerging artist of Chinese and Maori descent is available for interviews.
Please contact Chantelle Whaiapu for further information: cwhaiapu@manukau.govt.nz or phone 275 0482.

Nga Kanohi iti o Matariki – The tiny eyes of Matariki
An exhibition of work by local Manukau artists based on the Matariki star constellation and it’s significance to the Maori New Year as seen through their eyes
Date: Tuesday 27 June – Tuesday 25 July
Time: Open: Tuesday – Saturday. Gallery Hours: Weekdays 10am – 5pm, Saturday 8am – 2pm
Venue: Fresh Gallery Otara, Otara Town Centre
Entry: FREE
Contact: Noelle Jakeman - njakeman@manukau.govt.nz
Ph: (09) 262 8900 ext. 8241
Fax: (09) 262 5403

Nga Rangatira o te Ao – Fashion and Photography
Photography by Greg Semu: Twelve designers, twelve outfits, twelve months
of the year. Rauru presents an exciting exhibition of large A0 photographs, featuring outfits designed for the 2005 Matariki Fashion Calendar exhibition. This project involves a large number of artists, and aims to increase awareness about the kaupapa of Matariki the Maori New Year, within an urban environment. Each outfit is embellished with a significant whakatauki/Maori proverb. The 2006 exhibition, outfits and calendars can be viewed at Disruptiv Gallery 145 Karangahape Rd, Auckland Central from the 3rd June-4th July. Nau mai Haere mai.
Date: Monday 26 June – Sunday 16 July
Time: Open: Monday – Friday. Gallery Hours: 9am – 5pm
Venue: Mangere Arts Centre – Mangere Town Centre, 93 Bader Drive
Entry: FREE
Contact: Noelle Jakeman - njakeman@manukau.govt.nz
Ph: (09) 262 8900 ext. 8241
Fax: (09) 262 5403

Mana Day Out!
Free Concert – Performing live; Playa Park, Crooks Int, and other local acts.
Date: 24 June
Time: 10am - 1pm
Venue: Otara Flea Market, in front of Otara Recreation Centre
Entry: Free

Traditional Maori Music
Workshop with Riki Bennett
Date: 6 – 7 July
Time: 10.30am (1 hour duration)
Venue: Otara Music and Arts Centre
Entry: Free
Contact: Noelle Jakeman - njakeman@manukau.govt.nz
Ph: (09) 262 8900 ext. 8241
Fax: (09) 262 5403

Title of Event:
Te Kaha o te Waiata Film Screening
Te Kaha o te Waiata film screening - the history of Maori music through taonga puoro. Film supplied by Auckland Museum.
Date: 6 July
Time: 9.30am
Venue: OMAC
Entry: Free
Contact:
Noelle Jakeman
njakeman@manukau.govt.nz
Ph: (09) 262 8900 ext. 8241

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