The outer walls of Te Rauparaha Arena will be lit up with a beautifully animated display in July as part of Porirua’s Matariki celebrations.
With the help of her kuia Patricia Grace, local artist Miriama Grace-Smith has created a stunning display which will be visible in the evenings between 12 and 16 July.
The display tells the nostalgic story of simple Matariki rituals through the eyes of our tamariki. It is set in and around Plimmerton’s Hongoeka Marae, celebrating the rising of Matariki in the dawn sky.
With voices recorded by local children, this work of art is a unique community creation made right here in Porirua. The display will play in a loop each night between 6 and 9pm.
“Matariki is an important and festive time in our city where we celebrate life and our cultural diversity,” says Porirua Mayor Anita Baker.
“Residents and visitors to Porirua are invited to bring their whānau, a picnic, and some warm layers to sit on Te Rauparaha Park and take in this beautiful story.”
This is just one of many events planned in Porirua for July to mark this mid-winter celebration.
From 1–16 July, Pātaka Art + Museum will have free whānau craft activities celebrating two of the nine Matariki stars – Waitī and Waitā.
Porirua City Library also has some special Matariki-themed activities for our younger residents from 5–12 July – timed for the school holidays. Don’t miss the Maumaharatanga Story Time or the chance to create a Memory Galaxy.
Other events lined up include a Mauri Oho weaving demonstration at Pātaka and a guided tour through the Whiti Te Rā! exhibition, led by iwi host Te Aurere Coker.
From 12–15 July, 11am–2pm, visitors to Pātaka can also meet Niumaa’na Magele John Misky, who built his impressive va’a in Porirua and launched it on Te Awarua-o-Porirua/Porirua Harbour late last year.
Keep an eye on Porirua City’s dedicated webpage for more information about what’s happening: poriruacity.govt.nz/matariki
20 Jun 2023
