Matariki festivities light up the west

Art, music, film and thought-provoking insights on cultural and economic sustainability make up an impressive line up for Matariki celebrations in Waitakere this year.

These events are part of Auckland's regional Matariki Festival 2010, celebrating Maori New Year with a range of events and activities across Tamaki Makaurau.

“Matariki is without a doubt one of the highlights of the region’s cultural calendar,” says chair of Waitakere City Council’s Culture and Community Committee, Judy Lawley.

“As well as exposing the people of Auckland to a rich and diverse range of traditional, arts, crafts and entertainment the festival is a chance to learn more about the cultural significance of Matariki.”

Matariki is the Maori name for the star cluster commonly known as Pleiades or The Seven Sisters. When translated Matariki it means tiny eyes or eyes of god. It is often referred to as Maori New Year.

In the west one of the key events is Nga Korero Tataki, a three night symposium on economic sustainability being held in the council chambers July 12-14.

It will feature presentations by some of Maoridom’s leading entrepreneurs who will explore entrepreneurship from traditional and contemporary Maori perspectives.

The symposium also looks at treaty settlement as the start of a new economy. All sessions start at 7pm with entry by koha.

12 July: Nga Tangata Whairawa – Entrepreneurship.
13 July: Nga Mana Pakihi Maori - Successful Maori
Businesses.
14 July: Ki tua o te Karauna – Moving beyond The Crown.

Other events throughout the month include art exhibitions, workshops and events celebrating Maori music and film.

Matariki – he pō whakanui, Matariki Music Night 2010 at Corban Estate Art Centre at 8pm on June 18 is an event not to be missed.

This evening honours the past and looks to the future through the musical talents of Tama Waipara, Teremoana Rapley, Horomona Horo, Majic Ropata, Katera Maihi, Ria Hall, Mel Davis and Matreya aka Jamie Greenslade. Tickets $20. Bookings via email on info@ceac.org.nz or 838 4455.

To find out more about what's going on across Auckland visit www.matarikifestival.org.nz

Some other Matariki events throughout Waitakere are:

28 May – 11 July
Matariki Exhibition- He Wa Maumaharatanga, Te Iwi, Te Whenua
A time of remembrance: Of people and of place
Photographers and multimedia/film artists remember those who have gone from our lives, the places we hold dear, cherished milestones and forgotten events. Corban Estate Arts Centre, 426 Great North Road, Henderson. For further information go to www.ceac.org.nz

25 June – 10 July
Te Taumata O Matariki Exhibition Series 2010
Multi-disciplined painter and installation artist Tracey Tawhiao has been selected to present a body of work. She is one of four Maori artists exhibiting work at local community galleries in Manukau, North Shore City, Auckland City and Waitakere City. The Project Space, Corban Estate Arts Centre, 426 Great North Road, Henderson. Opening: Thursday 24 June at 6pm. For more information go to www.ceac.org.nz

24 – 26 June
Whetu I te Rangi – Lisa Reihana
In the spirit of memorial, Te Po O Matariki presents ‘Light in the Darkness’, bringing together ethereal imagery by renowned artist Lisa Reihana. Corban Estate Arts Centre, 7:30pm on 24 June, 6:30pm on 25 and 26 June. Outdoor installation so dress warmly.

Friday, 25 June
Matariki Short Film Night
A selection of seven Maori short films presented in association with the Wairoa Maori Film Festival. For full programme details go to www.ceac.org.nz. Corban Estate Arts Centre, 426 Great North Road, Henderson, 7pm. Tickets $5 on the door, under 18s are FREE, however, discretion is advised. Bookings at info@ceac.org.nz or phone (09) 838 4455.

Saturday, 26 June
Mahi te Toi – Mahi Whakairo me Mahi Raranga:
Carving and Weaving workshops
Parents and teenage children are invited to learn traditional weaving and preparation skills with artists Ann Uerata, Melaney Kemp, Sharyn Allan. Dennis Conway will also take workshops in whakairo (Maori carving). Corban Estate Arts Centre, 426 Great North Road, Henderson, 10am – 3pm. Cost is $10. Reserve a place at info@ceac.org.nz or phone (09) 838 4455.

Matariki – Polynesian Music and Dance Workshop
Enjoy the music and experience the taste of an Umu. Corbans Estate Arts Centre, Pacifc Arts, 10am-3pm. Entry is a gold coin. Contact Jacinda on 838 3205.

ENDS

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