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.
Fri 13 Jun 2025, 7.30–11.00pm
Various spaces on Level 4
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 2 | 7.30pm – Karakia, doors open |
| Toi Art, Level 4 | 7.45–8.00pm – Curator preview: Black Phoenix by Ralph Hotere and Ngā Morehuby Shona Rapira-Davies |
| Rongomaraeroa marae atea, Level 4, outside | 7.30–10.30pm – Fire pits 8.00-9.00pm – Waka hourua storytelling with Master Navigator Jack Thatcher and Waka Tapu Captain Mahara Nicholas |
| Main Stage, Level 4 | 8.00–8.45pm – Sianne 9.00–9.45pm – MĀ 10.00–11.00pm – Mr Meaty Boy (DJ) |
| Hīnātore, Level 4 | 7.30–10.30pm – Make your own whetū brooch or pendant with uku (clay) artist Stevei Houkāmau |
| Meeting point: Rongomaraeroa, the marae, Level 4 | Rongoā 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 4 | 7.30–9.00pm – Taonga spotlight: Mātauranga Māori curators share taonga touched by flame. |
| Ellipse, Level 4 | 7.30–11.00pm – Short documentary screenings: Matariki Kanohi Iti (Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision) and Puanga Master (Waka Huia) |
| Signs of a Nation, Level 4 | 7.30–10.30pm – Matariki mā Puanga face painting |
| Rongomaraeroa, the marae, Level 4 | 7.30–11.00pm – Free kawakawa tea, kēmu (games), and Māori Mermaid colouring in |
| Espresso, Level 4 | 7.30–10.30pm – Cash bar and kai |
Matariki After Dark, 2024. Photo by Neil Price. Te Papa (245675)
