Matariki Festival 09
A fantastic line-up of over 60 events and activities will take place across Tamaki Makaurau during Auckland’s regional Matariki Festival from 24 June to 24 July 2009, giving everyone the chance to get involved in the celebrations.
Heralded by the rising of the star constellation known as Matariki, the Maori New Year has always been an important time in the Maori calendar for connecting with and giving thanks to the land, sea and sky.
Traditionally a time for the community to come together to farewell those departed and acknowledge the year gone by, it was also a time to turn to the future, welcoming the new generation to the world and planning for the year ahead.
Matariki Festival 09 gives Aucklanders an opportunity to participate and experience a living cultural tradition with tangata whenua, celebrating our unique Maori heritage, nature, creativity and expression.
Some of the festival highlights this year include:
Matariki Native Noise 09
A full line up of leading Aotearoa musicians, headed by chart-topper Tiki and supported by a roots-reggae line-up of Katchafire, Three Houses Down and Cornerstone Roots, performing in the historic setting of the Auckland Town Hall.
When: 26 June
Where: Auckland Town Hall, Queen Street, CBD
Sir Plus and the Requirements
Hot on the heels of three sell-out shows at AK09, Tama Waipara presents Sir Plus and The Requirements, in a fresh and exciting approach to the theatre and music of old school cabaret. The show takes its cue from Sergeant Pepper, with Sir Plus as ‘the long lost Polynesian cousin’ and fuses musical icons such as Prince Tui Teka, Kid Creole and Burt Bacharach with a touch of funk and groove.
When: 15 and 16 July 2009
Where: Telstra Clear Pacific Event Centre
Manu Aute Kite Day
Celebrate Matariki as people have done for hundreds of years – fly a kite! A day out for the family, it’s a great chance to try your hand at the art of traditional Maori kite making and enjoy traditional Maori games and stories. Bring your own kite, make one or watch the stunning giant Manu Aute kites in flight.
When: 11 July 2009, 10am to 4pm
Where: Takaparawha, Orakei Reserve,end of Kupe Street, Orakei
Nga Korero Tataki
A three-part sustainability symposium exploring the concept of sustainability through traditional and contemporary Maori thinking. Each night considers a number of case studies with experts in their fields looking at how the unique Maori worldview can contribute to the challenges facing local, national and international communities.
When: 14, 15 and 16 July 2009, 7pm
Where: Waitakere City Council Chambers, 6 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson
For the full programme of events and ticketing information visit www.matarikifestival.org.nz
Auckland, Manukau, North Shore and Waitakere city councils have worked collectively to present the Matariki Festival through the Maori arts development kaupapa Toi Whenua. Matariki Festival 09 is proudly supported by New Zealand Post.
Joint media release
Auckland City Council
Manukau City Council
North Shore City Council
Waitakere City Council
Social bookmarking
Member Profile
Toi WhenuaToi Whenua is a partnership between four of the Auckland region’s four territorial local authorities:
Auckland, Manukau, North Shore and Waitakere cities, and Arts Regional Trust (ART) ART trust to develop arts infrastructure across the Auckland region.Toi Whenua aims to bring together the different sectors within the Maori arts community in the Auckland region under the korowai of art/toi. The aim of Toi Whenua is to provide a vehicle to:
- Strengthen the connections of Nga Toi Maori with Mana Whenua toward building an infrastructure for Maori arts to thrive in the region
- Identify and resource a project or projects that enhance the development of a sustainable infrastructure for Maori arts communities and artists in the Auckland regionToi Whenua Committee Members
Gail Richards – Ngati Kahu ki Whaingaroa, Ngapuhi
Chair of Toi Whenua Auckland City Council, Manager, Arts Services,
Gail has worked as an arts officer/manager in local government for the last eleven years. Prior to joining council she managed and produced various productions and companies including Te Kanikani o te Rangatahi, Taiao Dance Theatre, Nga Moemoea a te Rangatahi, Nga Pou Wahine, Waitapu. Gail produced/promoted the Aboriginal Islander Dance Theatre (Aus) and Garth Bucket Dance Company (New York) for the New Zealand International Festival of the Arts and also worked with Limbs Dance Company, Douglas Wright and Shona McCullagh.Eynon Delamere – Te Whanau A Apanui, Ngai Tahu, Whakatohea and Te Arawa
Currently the Manager Maori issues at Auckland City Council. Past projects of involvement include the launch of Maori Television, four Matariki festivals, Pacific Arts festivals, Belau, 2004 and Pago Pago 2008. As an artist in taonga puoro Eynon has performed a various international festivals.Lisa Tocker - North Shore City Council, Manager, Community Liaison
Manages a broad community base portfolio and has been a member of Toi Whenua since its inception. Lisa has a strong
background of commitment to Maori arts in the Auckland Region. Toi Whenua is notable recognised by the North Shore City Council as one of the key arts group in the Auckland region. Toi Whenua has been included in the councils long term community council plan.Leisa Siteine - Samoan, English
Manukau Arts Manager, Manukau City Council
Leisa has a long association with the Manukau City Council, where she has gained extensive experience in both community service delivery and Leisure centre management. Within the last seven years Leisa has played a pivotal role in shaping the Manukau City Council Arts Unit and strategic direction. Leisa is currently Manager of Arts for Manukau City CouncilNaomi McCleary – Arts Manager Waitakere City Council
Responsibilities include the delivery of the entire arts program in the Waitakere City Council. Events include Going West Books Writers Festival, Schools Trash to Fashion, Christmas Giftmaking and the Waitakere Pacifica Living Arts Festival.Candy Elsmore – Arts Regional Trust (ART) Project director
ART has been involved with the inception of Toi Whenua. ART is an arts and creative industries development agency, creating and investing in programmes that develop capability and capacity in Auckland’s creative sector. To date, ART has invested in a number of significant projects in partnership with other organisations such as the city councils of the Auckland region, universities and government agenciesToi Whenua Projects To Date:
- Matariki Festival 2004 - 2010
- Regional Artist Hui 2006Contact: Gail Richards – Chair Toi Whenua
