Welcoming Matariki

Join us at Tūhura Otago Museum for this special event to learn about Matariki Ahuka Nui and the significance of this day.

Hear from Victoria Campbell (Kāi Tahu) about the renaissance of tātai aroraki through Matariki, the cluster of stars that mark the Māori New Year.

After years of studying, teaching, and practising tātai aroraki (astronomical knowledge), Campbell has become a leading source for this mātauraka.

Victoria Campbell, Kāi Tahu, works for Te Rūnanga o Moeraki.  She has a passion for te reo me ōhona tikaka, mātauraka Māori including Māori astronomy, and the natural world.

Victoria is also involved with the Dark Sky Project (Takapō), is a member of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve Board and was also a member of the Matariki Advisory Group charged with the task of providing recommendations to Government regarding the establishment of the Matariki Public Holiday.

You will also have the opportunity to learn about Matariki through a special Planetarium Show at 4.30pm or 6.30pm exploring Māori sky lore, myths and legends relating to the southern night sky and the astronomy of Matariki.