Event

Celebrating Matariki

Free activities honouring the Matariki star of wellbeing

20 June – 2 July

Join as at Pātaka Art +Museum as we celebrate Mābawatia a Matariki, honouring the mother star Matariki who represents wellness, reflection and self-care. Embrace the spirt of renewal through a series of mindful activities designed to nurture your wellbeing and strengthen community connection.

20 June – 2 July: Pause, breathe and reconnect.

Visit our gallery’s sensory table throughout Matariki for a calming, multi-sensory experience. Piece together a mindful jigsaw puzzle, enjoy soothing aromatherapy scents and sip on a refreshing wellness tonic.

Colour in an original Matariki-inspired postcard and write a heartfelt message of aroha to a friend or whānau member. Pop it into our Pātaka letterbox and we will take care of the delivery for you.

Discover the power of traditional Māori healing with a selection of plants from the Porirua City Council nursery. Each has its own tongōa (healing properties) and connection to the land. Take home a piece of living tradition to nurture your wellbeing.


Friday 20 June

9am - 9.45am:
Family yoga inspired by Waiora

Restorative and playful active relaxation for all ages, inspired by nga whetū o Matariki. Relax into easy shapes on yoga mats, amongst Hemi Macgregor’s Waiora exhibition. Guided by BeCalmed Studio’s Janie Walker. No yoga experience is needed. Mats provided and no registrations are necessary.


10am - 12pm:
Drop-In leaf weaving workshop with artist Rhona Orr

Artist Rhona Orr will show you how to weave your own Matariki leaf. Rhona says while cutting leaves is simple, weaving leaves together takes concentration. Bring your own leaves or use the leaves supplied. Take your creations home.


11am - 1pm: Drop-In henna star body marking with Great Potentials

Minahil and Uzma will paint intricate Matariki star inspired henna designs on your hand or wrist.


11am - 12pm and 1-2pm:
Live music by Paekākāriki based duo MOCEAN

MOCEAN draws from many musical styles to create a unique sound. Himiona Grace (guitar) and Julia Truscott (keys) blend reggae with classical music, creating a chilled out set of original songs.


SATURDAY 21 JUNE

10am - 11am: Tai chi with Peter Wannan from ‘Tai Chi for Life and Health’ (Performing Arts Studio)

Try a class with Peter Wannan and experience the slow and gentle movements of Tai Chi. Tai Chi addresses the key components of fitness — muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and, to a lesser degree, aerobic conditioning.

10am - 3pm: Ahi Kaa Collective local artist market

Treat yourself to an art piece by local artists including Wiremu Grace and the Mauri Oho weavers.


11am:
Toi Korero artist talk with Hemi Macgregor

Explore this solo exhibition Wairoa with artist Hemi Macgregor. Join in discussion with the artist and consider how we are connected with the sky, water, earth and seasons and the role of the environment in contributing to human wellness.


SUNDAY 22 JUNE

10am - 3pm:
Ahi Kaa Collective local artist market

Treat yourself to an art piece by local artists including Wiremu Grace and the Mauri Oho weavers.


1pm:
A live performance by Casual Healing in exhibition Waiora

Join rapidly rising star of Aotearoa roots-reggae, aka Nikau Te Huki. This talented Māori-Italian songwriter/producer will be dropping tunes for his new AHI EP.


WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE

5.30pm - 6.30pm:
Yoga for beginners inspired by Waiora

Restorative and playful active relaxation for 16 years +, inspired by nga whetū o Matariki. Relax into easy shapes on yoga mats, amongst Hemi Macgregor’s Waiora exhibition. Guided by BeCalmed Studio’s Janie Walker. No yoga experience is needed. Mats provided and no registrations are necessary.


SATURDAY 28 JUNE

10am - 11am:
Tai Chi (Performing Arts Studio)

Try a class with Peter Wannan and experience the slow and gentle movements of Tai Chi. Tai Chi addresses the key components of fitness — muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and, to a lesser degree, aerobic conditioning.

11am :
A performance by the Pukerua Bay School Kapa Haka Rōpū (Spine)


SUNDAY 29 JUNE

2pm:
Take Note Singers Performance

Join in with Take Note singers, a local community singing group who love singing and who gain great pleasure from regularly singing their hearts out with others.


MONDAY 30 JUNE

9am – 10am:
Yoga for beginners inspired by Waiora

Restorative and playful active relaxation for 16 years +, inspired by nga whetū o Matariki. Relax into easy shapes on yoga mats, amongst Hemi Macgregor’s Waiora exhibition. Guided by BeCalmed Studio’s Janie Walker. No yoga experience is needed. Mats provided and no registrations are necessary.