Must-see light and art displays for Matariki

Start at Aotea Square

Mihi: Mihi is a large-scale interactive video installation that invites us to pause, remember, and celebrate each other this Matariki. On 28-30 June, head to Aotea Square and thank those who are important to you by adding their name to a huge, animated scroll projected onto Auckland Town Hall, rising endlessly up into the sky. Head to this link to project your loved ones names this Matariki. Supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.

Matariki Live on Screen: Waiata Anthems and video artwork from Circuit NZ’s Toi Māori artists across Aotearoa will take over the Auckland Live Digital Stage on 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29, June from 12-3PM.

Tūrama: While you're in the area, check out Tūrama, which sees a Kaitiaki light up one side of Aotea Square’s grass terraces and the much-loved artwork Waharoa lights up the other, acknowledging the mahi and life of celebrated artist the late Selwyn Muru. Read more about Tūrama here. Supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.

Head to the Central City Library 

Explore Jean Yern's (Ngati Tamaoho) audio-visual exhibition, Te Whenua. Te Whenua pays homage to the whenua through inspired soundscapes and lush blue video lightscapes. Through the installation and activity booklet, you can experience the rich wairua of Te Whenua. Bask and listen to the tōiriiri solfeggio frequencies. Join in on the Ground Floor of the library at 6pm on Thursday June 20th for the opening night celebration, and experience Te Whenua projected onto the St James Theatre!
 

Make your way over to Smith & Caughey's window display

Mātahi is an installation that takes a contemporary look at the star cluster for Matariki. Mātahi brings kōrero (conversation) of waka (canoe) and kete (baskets) to the window of Smith & Caughey’s store on Queen Street, reminding us of the water that flows beneath our feet as we traverse this historic street. Supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.

Watch the Sky Tower light up for Matariki 

Look up to the Sky Tower which will luminate in synergy with the appearance of Matariki, welcoming in the new year. Rising 28 June and setting 6 July. Look to the sky for a colourful light display over this period.

Head down to Elliott Street to see Taurima

Taurima – a series of light installations in Elliott Street features crochet-like neon artworks floating above the street uncovering the street’s long culinary history.

Aucklanders and visitors will see pātaka kai (food storehouse) symbolism suspended above the street in quirky fluoro-neon art created by Lissy Robinson-Cole (Ngāti Kahu and Ngāti Hine), Rudi Robinson-Cole (Waikato, Ngaruahine, Ngāti Pāoa, Te Arawa), Ataahua Papa (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Ngāti Mahuta), and Angus Muir Design. Supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.

Read more about Taurima, here.

Walk up to the Victoria Street car park for the captivating light-based work, Whai

Inspired by the traditional Māori string game, Whai symbolises the merging of ancient wisdom and modern innovation. Through its intricate design, it reconnects us with ancestral narratives, acting as both a tool for learning and a source of entertainment. Whai, created by artist Janine Williams (Ngāti Paoa, Te Uri o Hao), is live from Sunday 16 June to Saturday 21 September. Best viewing point is from 23 to 33 Victoria Street East. Supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.

Wander along the Waterfront towards Viaduct Harbour to Puanga

Conceived by London-based Māori creative director Tuhirangi Blair (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa) in collaboration with local installation artist Angus Muir, this immersive experience in Market Square is not to be missed. The cube structure creates a kaleidoscope of reflections. Brought to life by sound, this experience places the viewer in the centre of the night sky in a reflective universe. The exterior catches refractions of coloured light. Supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.

Read more about Puanga, here.