Puaka Matariki is the ideal time to be thinking about how we can help take care of our environment.
The Wildlife Hospital opened just this year and works with DOC and the Otago Polytechnic School of Veterinary Nursing to care for many of our endangered animal species.
Come and hear one of The Wildlife Hospital specialists talk about what staff do, what kind of mammals and birds they treat, and what you can do to help. Everyone is welcome!
Dunedin Public Art Gallery, 30 The Octagon Dunedin
You are invited to our Family Church Service. Join us in celebrating this midwinter season of wānaka (learning) and whanaukataka (community spirit). The service will include waiata, hīmene, children’s activities, stories, and a time of remembrance for our loved ones. Tikanga Wakari – Wakari School kapa haka will perform, and the morning will conclude with kai (morning tea). Haere mai tātou!
Flagstaff Community Church, 9 Centennial Avenue, Wakari, Dunedin
Join us for a winter evening of music and fun. This will be whānau time ‒ all are welcome! Haere mai ki te rūma konohete nui! There will be a variety of musical items, featuring several local musicians and singers including Malcolm Gordon, Toni Shanks, Justine Pierre and the Flagstaff Community Choir. This will be a child-friendly zone; some other activities for children will be available during the concert including making lanterns! Families with young children might like to bring along their kai (fish + chips or other) and have a ‘lounge meal’. Hot drinks will be served throughout the evening.
Please bring a koha which will go towards our Food for the Homeless project. Nāku te rourou nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi – with your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive.
Flagstaff Community Church, 9 Centennial Avenue, Wakari, Dunedin
Puaka Matariki is a great time to have a look at the way our universe behaves. Investigate reflection, refraction and colour vision with Esther Haines (Outreach Coordinator, Department of Physics, University of Otago). Lots of fun guaranteed!
Designed for ages 7 and up; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Dunedin Public Art Gallery, 30 The Octagon, Dunedin
UNTITLED (D21.281 GALARI BARGAN) 2018
Jonathan Jones
(b.1978 Australia, Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi nations)
Fluorescent tubes and fittings, electrical cable
Courtesy the artist and Tim Melville Gallery, Auckland
Why ‘make do’ when you can Mend and Make Awesome!? Join the #RepairRevolution with our friendly team of experienced menders and upcyclers to get inspiration and practical help turn flaws into favourite features. Absolute beginners most welcome.
This is a special Puaka Matariki Festival sewcial workshop open to all, supported by Creative New Zealand.
Valley Project Rooms, 262 North Road, North East Valley, Dunedin
Saturday 7 July, 1pm ‒ 4pm. Koha – $5 or fabric or notions for Swap Shop or plate for afternoon tea
Celebrate days gone past with special Puaka Matariki portraits, professionally photographed by Imeleta Caldwell. Dress up in provided traditional and vintage Māori and Settler costume, and bring along any taoka or vintage items you wish to include in your 8×10 portrait. Brockville School pupil art works will make a suitably starry backdrop!
Brockville School Learning Centre, 263 Brockville Road, Brockville
Saturdays and Sundays, 7‒22 July, 10am ‒ 5pm. $25 per sitting
The creation of Manu Tukutuku (traditional Māori kites) is a cultural practice that has been associated with the rise of Puaka and Matariki for centuries in Aotearoa.
Join Ngāi Tahu kaiako Wetere Home and Rachel Solomon-Gould for a demonstration of the techniques and mātauraka (knowledge) used to create a large Manu Tukutuku, then make your own small version with raw materials gathered from the ecosanctuary. This is a fun, family-friendly event where participants can immerse themselves our local Ngāi Tahu culture in celebration of Te Tau Hou, the Māori New Year. Nau mai, piki mai!
Get involved in the Puaka Matariki Festival with this fun workshop in contemporary Māori dance with one of Aotearoa’s most acclaimed dancers. All levels of dance experience welcome.
Join us to make Bags for Good for in use our community at the Blacks Road Green Grocers bag library!
Some previous sewing experience is preferred, but not essential – there are opportunities for everyone to join in the sewcial fun! If you can bring along a sewing machine, please do. Donations of fabric and thread are much appreciated.
Valley Project Rooms, 262 North Road, North East Valley, Dunedin
To welcome in the Māori New Year, the Kavanagh College Kapa Haka will perform in celebration of the rise of the Matariki star cluster. Nau mai, tautimai!
Dunedin Public Art Gallery, 30 The Octagon, Dunedin