Celebrate Matariki at The Arts Centre
Let creativity be a guiding star this Matariki. Celebrate Matariki at The Arts Centre | Te Matatiki Toi Ora with talented artists from Ōtautahi and beyond. Events from 7th to 22nd Piripi | June 2025 will feature live performances, visual art, kapa haka, Tīrama Mai, night mākete, delicious kai and so much more.
Events include:
- Matariki for Tamariki Concert for Kids (Saturday 7th June): A 40-minute concert especially for our younger tamariki, to kick off the Matariki season, featuring waiata from Loopy Tunes' latest album, "Mā: Matariki for Tamariki".
- Taonga Pūoro with Mahina - Porotiti Making (Sunday 8th June): Porotiti are small discs with a looped cord, which are spun and create special rhythms, used in music and as healing aids. Learn about porotiti and decorate your own to take home.
- Mahi Whāriki (Wednesday 11th June): Hear about the stories, inspiration and process behind the creation of whāriki at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre and how they connect to the cultural narrative of this whenua.
- Ariana Tikao with Jon Hooker (Thursday 12th June): Immerse yourself in the soul-warming waiata of Arts Laureate Ariana Tikao (Kāi Tahu), with the sparkling fingerstyle guitar of Jon Hooker.
- Harakeke Wall Hanging with Kahu Collective (Thursday 12th June): Learn how to weave a harakeke wall hanging using raranga/whatu (Māori weaving) techniques. You will learn the processes, and a little of the history and tikanga involved in this traditional art.
- The Māori Sidesteps (Thursday 12th June): The Māori Sidesteps bring soulful harmonies, satire, song parodies and comedy. With rave reviews and hit shows, this is one night you won’t want to miss!
- Boil Up - Hākari (Friday 13th June): Celebrate Matariki in Christchurch with a special Boil Up event led by Josh Hunter and Ngaio Cowell. Experience nourishing kai, Māori hospitality, and community.
- Kapa Haka with Ngā Toi o Te Rangi (Sunday 15th June): Bring the whole whānau for a taste of this ancient and living Māori artform. Experience local rōpū celebrate being Māori, whānau, tikanga and reo, and join in with a waiata or two and some actions.
- Poetry with Pūoro - Matariki Edition (Sunday 15th June): Get cosy by the fire and listen to some star-filled poetry by Ōtautahi-based creatives, their words woven with the mesmerising sounds of taonga pūoro.
Find out more about Matariki events at The Arts Centre.