Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand

After Dark: Matariki

Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki mā Puanga, mā tētahi pō puoro, mā te kōrero pūrākau, mā te mātauranga, mā ngā awheawhe, me te kai.

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Celebrate the rising of Matariki and Puanga, with an evening of music, storytelling, mātauranga, workshops and kai

When | Āhea

Fri 13 Jun 2025, 7.30–11.00pm

Where | Ki hea

Various spaces on Level 4

Cost | Te utu

Free entry, exhibitions will be closed

Whether you look to the stars of Matariki or Puanga, or know the whetū by other names, join us to celebrate at Te Papa with an evening of live music, talks, hands-on activities, and kai.

Kanikani the night away with Sianne, MĀ, and Mr Meaty Boy.

Make your own whetū brooch with uku artist Stevei Houkāmau. Later, these will be fired in our kiln for you to collect and keep!

Recharge your wairua with Te Whare o Rongo.

Hear kōrero about waka and collection highlights with Te Papa curators and special guest speakers.

Be among the first to see our new display of two landmark artworks – Black Phoenix by Ralph Hotere and Ngā Morehu by Shona Rapira-Davies – introduced by Te Papa curator Isaac Te Awa. This exhibition will open to the public the following day.

Explore Mānawatia a Matariki, relax with some Māori Mermaid colouring in, play kemu with friends, or chat around the fire with a cup of kawakawa tea.

Schedule

Location

Kaupapa

Wellington Foyer, Level 27.30pm – Karakia, doors open
Toi Art, Level 47.45–8.00pm – Curator preview: Black Phoenix by Ralph Hotere and Ngā Morehuby Shona Rapira-Davies
Rongomaraeroa marae atea, Level 4, outside7.30–10.30pm – Fire pits
8.00-9.00pm – Waka hourua storytelling with Master Navigator Jack Thatcher and Waka Tapu Captain Mahara Nicholas
Main Stage, Level 48.00–8.45pm – Sianne
9.00–9.45pm – MĀ
10.00–11.00pm – Mr Meaty Boy (DJ)
Hīnātore, Level 47.30–10.30pm – Make your own whetū brooch or pendant with uku (clay) artist Stevei Houkāmau
Meeting point: Rongomaraeroa, the marae, Level 4Rongoā walk with Te Whare o Rongo. Please note that this walk takes place outdoors in the ngahere (forest).
7.45–8.15pm
8.30–9.00pm
9.15–9.45pm
Mana Whenua, Level 47.30–9.00pm – Taonga spotlight: Mātauranga Māori curators share taonga touched by flame.
Ellipse, Level 47.30–11.00pm – Short documentary screenings: Matariki Kanohi Iti (Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision) and Puanga Master (Waka Huia)
Signs of a Nation, Level 47.30–10.30pm – Matariki mā Puanga face painting
Rongomaraeroa, the marae, Level 47.30–11.00pm – Free kawakawa tea, kēmu (games), and Māori Mermaid colouring in
Espresso, Level 47.30–10.30pm – Cash bar and kai
 

Matariki After Dark, 2024. Photo by Neil Price. Te Papa (245675)