Celebrate With Matariki Festival At Te Papa

10 June 2009

MEDIA RELEASE

Celebrate Family And Friends With The Matariki Festival At Te Papa, 25 June – 12 July 2009

In early June the star cluster Matariki (the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters) will reappear in our dawn skies, staying for almost 12 months. The Mäori New Year begins with the first new moon after Matariki’s reappearance and, from 25 June, Te Papa is bringing this special celebratory period to all people of Aotearoa New Zealand with an 18-day Matariki Festival (www.tepapa.govt.nz/matariki).

The theme of this year’s celebration – whakawhanaungatanga (bringing people together) – resonates throughout Te Papa’s exciting Matariki events programme, which includes a mini film festival, modern and traditional music and dance, Star Lab sessions, and special activities for children.

Show New Zealand how you and your family celebrate Matariki by grabbing your camera and entering your photos into Capture Matariki. Your images will become part of a huge Matariki photographic collection and you’ll be able to see them online, or larger than life in Our Space, Te Papa’s exciting interactive multimedia zone. In July, your Matariki images could be selected to be the first to appear on a massive 101 inch screen outside Te Papa! For information on how to enter, go to ourspace.tepapa.com.

Don’t miss the Seven Sisters and Seven Brothers concerts featuring Warren Maxwell, Toni Huata, and a dozen other top home-grown performers, or the Matariki arts and crafts village where Mäori and Pacific artists will display traditional jewellery and demonstrate their skills in weaving, carving, and tä moko.

2009 sees the return of the hugely popular Kaumätua Kapa Haka on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July. Featuring senior performing groups from across Aotearoa New Zealand, this event is a unique opportunity to see popular items performed by leading exponents of the art. Can’t make it to Te Papa? This event will be streamed live on the internet to communities around the country and the world on www.tepapa.govt.nz/kapahaka – so tell your family and friends and join us as the drama and magic of this remarkable event unfolds.

Other highlights include the fun-filled Te Huka ä Tai Whänau Day on Sunday 28 June with storytelling, games and hands-on crafts for all the family, then rangatahi (youth) take over Te Papa on 5 July with a thumping line-up of music from artists Majic and Robbie, Olmecha Supreme, Dam Native, MC Kommikal and Upper Hutt Posse. Special guest King Kapisi will also be on hand to judge your beatboxing talents!

Te Papa thanks the following companies and organisations - the 'Seven Sisters' - for their generous support of the Matariki Festival at Te Papa: TelstraClear, Te Rünanga o Ngäi Tahu, New Zealand Post, Te Puni Kökiri, toi iho™, Te Mängai Päho and Wellington City Council.

Matariki is a time to reflect, and a time to spend with family and friends – a time to appreciate the people around us. Come and celebrate the Mäori New Year at Te Papa!

A full programme of events follows the media release.

ENDS

For further information and images, contact:

Jane Keig, Manager Communications, 029 601 0180, 04 381 7083, janek@tepapa.govt.nz

MATARIKI FESTIVAL AT TE PAPA EVENTS PROGRAMME
25 JUNE – 12 JULY 2009

REGULAR EVENTS

StoryPlace sessions
Matariki Dawn Stars – Ngä Tohu o te Tau Hou Mäori
Daily from Thursday 25 June to Tuesday 7 July: 10.15am – 11am; 11.30am–12.15pm;
1.30pm–2.15pm; 2.30pm–3.15pm; 3.45pm–4.30pm
Learn about te ao Mäori (the Mäori world) with stories and activities for kids aged five and under, and their caregivers.
StoryPlace, Level 2. Cost $3 per person aged over one year. Tickets available at the Information Desk, Level 2, up to seven days before a session. Phone (04) 381 7000 to check availability.

Matariki Star Lab sessions
Thursday 25 June – Sunday 12 July
• Thursday 25 June, 2 July and 9 July: 6.30pm.
• Weekends Saturday 27 June – Sunday 12 July: 10.30am & 2.30pm. The session on Sunday 28 at 2.30pm is in te reo Mäori.
• Extra school holiday sessions Monday 6 July – Friday 10 July: 10.30am & 2.30pm (Thursday has an evening session only).
Visit the mini-planetarium Star Lab, enjoy locating the different stars, and learn how Matariki is significant to Mäori.
Sessions last 45 minutes and numbers are limited to the first 20 people. Book on the day, in person, at Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Free entry.

toi iho™ visual artist showcase
Daily 10am–6pm (until 9pm Thursdays)
See a display of fine craftsmanship by outstanding artists whose work carries the toi iho™ trade mark – a guarantee of quality and authenticity in Mäori art.
The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

Capture Matariki
Until 28 June

During Matariki, Te Papa, in partnership with TelstraClear and New Zealand Post, is creating an interactive display of images that capture the mood of this special time of year.
The theme for Matariki 2009 is whakawhanaungatanga (bringing people together). So get snapping, and capture how your friends and whänau live, work, or play during the festive season. You can view the photos online, or come and see them larger than life in Our Space, Te Papa's exciting multimedia zone. Then, in July, a panel of selectors will choose a range of the most impressive images to be shown on a giant screen outside Te Papa.
How to take part:
• Images may be submitted until 28 June
• Take your photo with a digital camera
• Go to ourspace.tepapa.com and sign up
• Click on 'Add Media' and upload your images
• Tag your image with 'Matariki 09'
• Check out all the images in 'Your Media'

THURSDAY 25 JUNE

11am–1pm & 2pm–4pm
Matariki whetü (star) brooch workshop
Join artist Areta Wilkinson and create a sparkling ribbon-and-bead star brooch. BYO sharp scissors if possible.
Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Free entry.

6pm–8pm
Seven Sisters concert
Laugh, dance, and sing the night away with seven top women performers: MC comedian Parekotuku Moore, Tracey Tawhiao, Majic and Robbie, Toni Huata, Emma Paki, WAI and Rosita Vai.
The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

SATURDAY 27 JUNE

10am–5pm
Matariki arts and crafts village
See talented Mäori and Pacific artists demonstrate their skills in weaving, carving, tä moko (tattoo), and other crafts. Fine pounamu (New Zealand jade), jewellery, and fashion will be for sale.
Signs of a Nation, Level 4. Free entry.

11am–12 noon
Discovery Centre activity – make a marvellous matau (fish hook)
NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2.

2pm–3pm
Mäori collections floortalk
Hear Te Papa curator Awhina Tamarapa, researcher Hokimate Harwood, and textiles conservator Rangi Te Kanawa talk about taonga (treasures) in the Museum’s collections.
The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

3pm–4pm
Ngäi Tahu films
A selection of rare documentary films about the Ngäi Tahu iwi (tribe). In association with the New Zealand Film Archive. Films include Across the Mountain Passes of New Zealand, 1910, Muttonbirding, 1921, The Sea Hath it’s Pearls, 1927, Mäori Netting Whitebait Mouth of Opihi, Timaru, 1925, A Mäori Catching Eels, 1932, Kaiapohia Pä Centenary, 1931 and Mutton Birders, 1951.
Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Free entry.

4.30pm–5.30pm
The Constituents
The driving rhythms and soulful R&B melodies of this Motown-inspired group will warm your ears and soothe your soul.
The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

SUNDAY 28 JUNE

TE HUKA Ä TAI WHÄNAU DAY – presented in partnership with Capital E
Throughout Te Papa.

10am–4pm
Star trail Starts at Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Free entry.
Star wand workshop Signs of a Nation, Level 4. Free entry.
Help make a Matariki korowai (cloak) Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Free entry.

10.45am, 11.30am, 12.15pm, 1pm, 1.45pm, & 2.30pm
Stories under the stars
Renowned storyteller Apirana Taylor brings the tales of Matariki to life in Capital E’s Night Visionz Cosmodome.
Space limited. Meet at Signs of a Nation, Level 4. Free entry.

11am–12 noon
Kite workshop Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Free entry.

11am–2pm
Face painting Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Free entry.

1pm–2pm
Kapa haka (Mäori performing arts) photo Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Free entry.

2pm–3pm
Matariki badge workshop Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Cost $2.

3pm–4pm
Games and prizes Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Free entry.

10am – 4pm
Körero Mäori
Join the team from Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Mäori (the Mäori Language Commission) and learn to sing, play a game, or say a simple phrase in Mäori.
Throughout Te Papa. Free entry

SUNDAY 28 JUNE – cont.

12 noon–1pm
Maisey Rika
You’ll be captivated by this award-winning singer’s majestic voice as it soars over a unique soundscape of folk and soul.
The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

2pm–3pm
Waiata Mai singalong concert and CD launch
Sing proverbs, phrases, prayers, and rounds in Mäori and English with the musical O’Connor family.
The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

3.30pm–4pm
Orbit dance performance
Orbit is an energetic new work from the New Zealand School of Dance which explores the historical significance of Matariki.
Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Free entry.

4.30pm–5.30pm
Rhombus in Dub
This Wellington group will ignite the dance floor with dub-heavy beats and new takes on killer classic tunes.
The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

THURSDAY 2 JULY

11am–12 noon
Mö Tätou – tour with the curator
Join curator Megan Tamati-Quennell for a tour of this stunning exhibition focusing on the culture of the Ngäi Tahu iwi (tribe).
Mö Tätou: The Ngäi Tahu Whänui exhibition, Level 4. Free entry.

6pm–7pm
Electric Wire Hustle
This Wellington trio mixes ‘future soul’ with influences from icons of the past such as Marvin Gaye and Charles Mingus.
The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

7.30pm–9pm
Matariki short film screening
Enjoy a selection of the finest recent short films and music videos featuring well-known and emerging Mäori talent. In association with the Wairoa Mäori Film Festival.
Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Free entry.

SATURDAY 4 JULY

11am–12 noon
Discovery Centre activity – make a Maui superhero mask
Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2.

SUNDAY 5 JULY

11am–12 noon
Discovery Centre activity – make a tukutuku (woven pattern) bookmark
PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2.

Rangatahi Represent
Fresh live music, breakdancing and DJing feature in this day-long celebration of youth culture. Highlights include Majic and Robbie, a breakdancing workshop, Olmecha Supreme, and a beatboxing competition judged by King Kapisi. Local Pacific radio station Niu FM will be onsite broadcasting live, playing some funky sounds and giving away prizes!
All events in The Marae, Level 4.

11am–11.45am
Majic and Robbie
See this talented young brother and sister perform some of their original songs.

12 noon–12.45pm
Breakdancing workshop
Learn some new moves from hiphop teacher Sara Tamati, and get in the dance-off to win prizes!

1pm–2pm
Olmecha Supreme
Get set for a dramatic, high-energy performance from this afro-futuristic roots band. Then show off your beatboxing skills for King Kapisi!

Rangatahi Represent – cont.
2.15pm–3pm
MC Kommikal
This Christchurch-based beatmaster makes music in a vast range of styles, from traditional Mäori songs to electronica.

3.15pm–4pm
Dam Native
See one of Aotearoa’s foremost hiphop groups freak some lyrics and beats.

4.30pm–5.30pm
Upper Hutt Posse
Some of the pioneers of New Zealand hiphop, live and loud on stage!

MONDAY 6 JULY

11am–12 noon
Discovery Centre activity – weave a flax ika (fish)
NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2.

TUESDAY 7 JULY

11am–12 noon
Discovery Centre activity – make a costume for a Mäori paper doll
Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Cost $2.

7.30pm–9pm
Tama Mä
The Okareka Dance Company presents a unique collaboration between four of New Zealand’s finest choreographers and dancers: Taane Mete, Taiaroa Royal, Michael Parmenter, and Douglas Wright.
Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Tickets available from Ticketek.

WEDNESDAY 8 JULY

11am–12 noon
Discovery Centre activity – design a pair of sparkly star glasses
Inspiration Station, Level 4. Cost $2.

7.30pm–9pm
Tama Mä
The Okareka Dance Company presents a unique collaboration between four of New Zealand’s finest choreographers and dancers: Taane Mete, Taiaroa Royal, Michael Parmenter, and Douglas Wright.
Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Tickets available from Ticketek.

THURSDAY 9 JULY

2pm–3pm
Discovery Centre activity – decorate a whänau circle
PlaNet Pasifika, Level 4. Cost $2.

6pm–8pm
Seven Brothers concert
Join seven top homegrown performers for a celebration of Matariki and mana täne (men’s prestige), with music ranging from R’n’B to hip hop and funk. Featuring special guest MC, Adrian Wagner (DJ Te Upoko o te Ika), Warren Maxwell, Hareruia ‘RUIA’ Aperahama, Olmecha Supreme, Brannigan Kaa, Flowz, Mara TK and Tehimana Kerr.
The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.

7.30pm–9pm
Tama Mä
The Okareka Dance Company presents a unique collaboration between four of New Zealand’s finest choreographers and dancers: Taane Mete, Taiaroa Royal, Michael Parmenter, and Douglas Wright.
Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Tickets available from Ticketek.

FRIDAY 10 JULY

7.30pm–9pm
Tama Mä
The Okareka Dance Company presents a unique collaboration between four of New Zealand’s finest choreographers and dancers: Taane Mete, Taiaroa Royal, Michael Parmenter, and Douglas Wright. Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Tickets available from Ticketek.

SATURDAY 11 JULY

10.30am–3.30pm
Kaumätua Kapa Haka
A rare opportunity to witness the grace, elegance, and beauty of senior Māori performing artists. Each kaumätua (elder) group celebrates a Mäori performing arts icon, such as Kingi Tahiwi and Sir Apirana Ngata. See www.tepapa.govt.nz for full schedule.
Throughout Te Papa. Free entry.
This remarkable event is being streamed live on the internet to communities right around the country. If you can’t make the show at Te Papa, get your whänau and friends together and watch the drama as it unfolds, broadcast over TelstraClear broadband, www.tepapa.govt.nz/kapahaka.

11am–12 noon
Discovery Centre activity – make a whetü (star) pendant
NatureSpace, Level 2. Cost $2.

2pm–3pm
Contemporary Mäori and Pacific art films
A screening of films by some of New Zealand’s leading Mäori and Pacific artists, including Lonnie Hutchinson, Nathan Pohio, and Libby Hakaraia.
Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Free entry.

4pm–6pm
Ngätahi – Know the Links screening and director Q&A
Ngätahi – Know the Links, directed by Dean Hapeta aka Te Kupu, is a hiphop-infused ‘rapumentary’ about native arts and activism around the world.
Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Free entry.

SUNDAY 12 JULY

11am–12 noon
Discovery Centre activity – make a super star mobile
Te Huka ä Tai, Level 4. Cost $2.

10am–3pm
Kaumatua Kapahaka
A rare opportunity to witness the grace, elegance, and beauty of senior Māori performing artists. Each kaumätua (elder) group celebrates a Mäori performing arts icon, such as Kingi Tahiwi and Sir Apirana Ngata. See www.tepapa.govt.nz for full schedule.
Throughout Te Papa. Free entry.
This remarkable event is being streamed live on the internet to communities right around the country. If you can’t make the show at Te Papa, get your whänau and friends together and watch the drama as it unfolds, broadcast over TelstraClear broadband, www.tepapa.govt.nz/kapahaka.

4.30pm–5.30pm
My Golden Soul
This Kapiti-based band will get you moving to funky grooves backed by a blistering horn section!
Soundings Theatre, Level 2. Free entry.

ends

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