Matariki full events programme 

The Marae, Level 4 | 7 June 2012 | 6pm–8.30pm

Celebrate Matariki with seven stellar female acts: Kirsten Te Rito, Pacific Curls, Ainslie Allen, Ariana Tikao, Lei’d Lee, JoHanna Mystery, and fabulous MC Vanessa Stacey. 

Soundings Theatre, Level 2 | 7 June 2012 | 7pm–8.30pm

Science historian and astronomer Dr William Tobin talks about a rare celestial phenomenon that is inextricably bound to our nation’s history.

The Marae, Level 4 | 8 June 2012 | 12 noon–1.30pm

Learn about the discoveries made by the Endeavour’s botanists, Banks and Solander, and see some of the plant specimens they collected. With Steve Cafferty (Natural History Museum, London).

Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation, Level 5 | 8 June 2012 | 12.15pm–12.45pm

Puawai Cairns, Curator Māori, talks about some of the taonga (treasures) on display in Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation.

Wellington Foyer, Level 2 | 8 June 2012 | 7.30pm–12 midnight

Te Papa's annual black-tie Matariki Gala is a highlight of Wellington's social calendar. Book now for an evening of entertainment, nostalgia, and delectable cuisine.

Throughout Te Papa | 9 June 2012 | 12 noon, 2pm, and 4pm

See avant-garde fashion woven by leading Māori designers parade through the Museum as we celebrate the opening weekend of Kahu Ora | Living Cloaks.

Soundings Theatre, Level 2 | 9 June 2012 | 12 noon–1pm

Two visiting French researchers, Sébastien Galliot and Simon Jean-Pigne, talk about the evolution of two Pacific tattooing traditions – Samoan tatau and Māori tā moko.

The Marae, Level 4 | 10 June 2012 | 2pm–3pm

Sing along to some classic Māori tunes with Leon Wharekura and brassy Wellington-based ensemble The Yoots, led by Fat Freddy’s Drop trombonist Joe Lindsay.

Visa Platinum Gallery & Signs of a Nation, Level 4 | 11 June 2012 | 11am–3pm (Monday), 10am–3pm (Tuesday)

As Sāmoa celebrates 50 years of independence, visiting ‘ie toga (fine mat) weavers, sennit-makers, master carvers, and a tatau (tattoo) artist show their work.

Visa Platinum Gallery & Signs of a Nation, Level 4 | 12 June 2012 | 11am–3pm (Monday), 10am–3pm (Tuesday)

As Sāmoa celebrates 50 years of independence, visiting ‘ie toga (fine mat) weavers, sennit-makers, master carvers, and a tatau (tattoo) artist show their work.

The Marae, Level 4 | 14 June 2012 | 6pm–8.30pm

MC Adrian Wagner and seven talented brothers take to the stage for a star-studded evening of entertainment.

Soundings Theatre, Level 2 | 14 June 2012 | 7pm–8.30pm

Professor Sir Peter Gluckman discusses how science can help make New Zealand a better place to live.

Soundings Theatre, Level 2 | 15 June 2012 | 10.30am–1pm

Discover what Western science and mātauranga (knowledge) Māori tell us about earthquakes, volcanoes, and the land we live in. Presented by GNS Science and Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga.

Soundings Theatre, Level 2 | 16 June 2012 | 11am–3pm

Nau mai ki tēnei wānanga mō te hauora Māori hei whakarewa i tētahi rauemi hou, ko Mauriora. A workshop about holistic Māori wellness, held in te reo Māori.

The Marae, Level 4 | 16 June 2012 | 1pm–2.30pm

This year’s Billy T Award nominees brave the stage for an afternoon of knee-slapping comedy.

Soundings Theatre, Level 2 | 16 June 2012 | 4pm–5pm

Come along for a whānau-friendly screening of five short Kiwi films: Koro’s Medal, Ebony Society, The Winter Boy, The Deal Maker, and Another Man’s Treasure.

The Marae, Level 4 | 17 June 2012 | 1pm–5pm

An afternoon of roots, reggae, and soul from some of Wellington’s favourite musicians performing in te reo Māori. Featuring Matiu Te Huki, Toni Huata,  WAI, and Upper Hutt Posse.

The Marae, Level 4 | 21 June 2012 | 6pm–8pm

Catch some of Māori music’s rising stars in performance. Featuring Manarangi Mua, Jah Children, Majic and Robbie, and Arihia and Tahu.

Soundings Theatre, Level 2 | 21 June 2012 | 7pm–8.30pm

Nearly 250 years after the Endeavour set sail, Professor Dame Anne Salmond explores the possibility of a new age of discovery.

Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation, Level 5 | 22 June 2012 | 12.15pm–12.45pm

Matiu Baker, Curator Māori, talks about his choice of taonga (treasures) on display in the exhibition Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation.

Wellington Foyer, Level 2 | 23 June 2012 | 10am–4pm

Get swept up in a joyful two-day celebration of haka and waiata, performed with grace and elation by Aotearoa’s most experienced and revered Māori entertainers.

Wellington Foyer, Level 2 | 24 June 2012 | 10am–4pm

Get swept up in a joyful two-day celebration of haka and waiata, performed with grace and elation by Aotearoa’s most experienced and revered Māori entertainers.