Exploring the stars during Matariki in Wellington

Matariki marks the rising of the Matariki star cluster in the sky and the new moon following the rising of Matariki signals the Māori New Year. A number of events and activities during the Wellington Matariki Festival explore the Matariki star cluster.

The Wellington Matariki Festival features more than 60 free events and activities from Saturday 13 June to Sunday 12 July in the Wellington region.

Be up early on Saturday 27 June for a pre-dawn viewing of the Matariki star cluster from Tangi te Keo, Matairangi (Mt Victoria). Hosted by  astronomers from Space Place at Carter Observatory, participants will use portable telescopes to view a real-time Matariki rising and local iwi will explain the significance of the cluster.

Discovering the stars of Matariki is a focus of the planetarium shows at Space Place at Carter Observatory throughout the Festival with a special introduction to the stars of Matariki/Puanga, along with korero around the stories of the star clusters and a special ‘light’ gallery trail  designed to keep young ones entertained.

Also at Space Place, on Wednesday 17 June Lex French’s acclaimed Jazz Ensemble performs a new Matariki Suite inspired by Matariki and featuring a planetarium accompaniment of the Matariki constellation.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa has created a special Matariki design for Light Painting (18 & 25 June, & 2 July) – an interactive experience for participants to create an aura of light around themselves and take home a long-exposure photograph of the unique image.

Renowned astronomical educator Haritina Mogosanu hosts an evening of discovery at The Dowse Art Museum on Friday 3 July. Walk Amongst the Stars includes a presentation at the Lower Hutt War Memorial Library and a Star Party in Dowse Square.

Mahara Gallery in Waikanae presents two events for children linked to the Matariki star cluster. Matariki star weaving workshops are perfect for children aged from four years old and take place on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 July and Puanga Kai Rau, Matariki Tini Rau on Friday 10 July is a performance by tamariki (children) and their whānau using puppets, storytelling and taonga puoro (traditional intstruments and telling the story of the arrival of Puanga and Matariki in the winter night skies centred around a garden filled with magical characters.

For full details of all events, visit  matarikiwellington.org

WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE SUPPORT FROM THE WELLINGTON REGIONAL AMENITIES FUND:
Hutt City Council, Kāpiti Coast District Council, Masterton District Council, Porirua City Council, Upper Hutt City Council, Wellington City Council


Note to editors:
What is Matariki?
Matariki marks the rising of the Matariki star cluster (also known as the Pleiades). The new moon following the rising of Matariki signals the Māori New Year. Customarily, this was a time to remember the deceased of the past year and to plan for the next year. Today, Matariki has been revived as a celebration of people, culture, language, spirituality, and history.

Wellington Matariki Festival 2015 partners
Te Papa, the Museum of Wellington City and & Sea, Space Place at Carter Observatory , City Gallery Wellington, Pataka Art+Museum, Dowse Art Museum, Upper Hutt’s Expressions Whirinaki, and the Mahara Gallery in Waikanae.

STARGAZING EVENTS DURING WELLINGTON MATARIKI FESTIVAL 2015
Throughout Festival: Matariki Planetarium Shows > Space Place at Carter Observatory
All planetarium shows will feature and introduction to the Matariki cluster along with korero around the stories set amongst them. Also Matariki trail throughout the gallery for children.

17 June: Matariki Suite performed by Lex French Jazz Ensemble > Space Place at Carter Observatory
Lex French’s acclaimed Jazz Ensemble performs his new Matariki Suite under a gently moving planetarium sky.

18 & 25 June, & 2 July 6-9pm: Light Painting > Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Have fun with light and get an aura of light drawn around you. Styles include one especially for Matariki

8 & 9 July 10am-12noon: Matariki Star Weaving Workshops > Mahara Gallery, Waikanae
Suitable for children from four years to grandparents

10 July 10.30am-11.30am: Puanga Kai Rau, Matariki Tini Rau > Mahara Gallery, Waikanae
Presented by ONE Kura – Whare Karetao, this special show uses puppets, storytelling and taonga puoro (traditional instruments) to mark the arrival of Puanga and Matariki in the winter night skies, telling a story of a garden filled with magical characters.
Using portable telescopes, astronomers from Space Place at Carter Observatory will give you the opportunitiy for a real-time experience of Matariki rising. Iwi will explain the significance of the cluster.