Archived: Matariki at Britomart

Mangōpare

By Arama Tamariki-Enua and Angus Muir 

26 JUN – 16 JUL | 5.30 – 10PM | 

Mangōpare is a light exhibition by Arama Tamariki-Enua (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Tumu-te-Varovaro (Rarotonga)), in collaboration with Angus Muir and Catherine Ellis, and featuring a soundscape by Peter Hobbs as part of the immersive ara toi/art trail, Tūhono. 

The Mangōpare, or hammerhead shark, represents resilience, strength and determination. Referencing the saying Kaua e mate wheke, mate ururoa” — “Do not die like an octopus, die like a hammerhead shark” — the work speaks to endurance, courage and the importance of holding strong in the face of challenge. 

For Arama, the work acknowledges the legacy of tūpuna who stood firmly against injustice and honours the pathways they created for future generations. Looking both backward and forward, Mangōpare reflects on the strength of those who came before while also speaking to the opportunities and possibilities still ahead. 

The patterns running along the sides of the sculpture draw inspiration from Puhoro, a form shaped by the movement of water. Traditionally associated with strength, agility and resilience, Puhoro is reimagined here through a calmer rhythm, where rippling forms spread outward and intersect with one another to create movement in a different way. 

In this work, those ripples speak to lineage and the way actions carry forward through time. Each movement creates another, building a visual reflection of connection, continuity and becoming. 

Celebrating community, Mangōpare honours the past, reflects the present and inspires the future. 

On display from 26 June to 16 July in Takutai Square as part of the Tūhono Trail. Free.  

Mangōpare will open in Takutai Square on Friday 26 June from 5.30pm and run every evening until Thursday 16 July. Opening night will feature a talk by artist Arama Tamariki-Enua, followed by a taonga pūoro performance by Tāmaki Oro Rau. Miann will serve free hot chocolate, with Amano providing pastries for guests to enjoy alongside the exhibition. Free for all. 

Kapa haka performances

By Te Kapunga, Te Haikura a Kiwa

 9 JUL | 5.30PM

Before Matariki begins, kapa haka performers from Te Kapunga will gather in Takutai Square to perform waiata marking the arrival of the Māori New Year. Enjoy free hot chocolate from Miann and pastries from Amano alongside the performance, while taking in Mangōpare, the light exhibition by Arama Tamariki-Enua in collaboration with Angus Muir and Catherine Ellis and featuring a soundscape by Peter Hobbs. 

14 JUL | 12 – 2PM   

The acclaimed kapa haka performers from Manurewa’s Te Haikura a Kiwa return to Takutai Square to share their magic through powerful waiata and kapa haka. Performances will take place at 12.15PM and 1PM bringing energy and pride to Matariki celebrations. DJ G7 will play before and after the performances while Māmā’s Hangi will be serving delicious hangi throughout lunchtime.   

By Te Wharekura o Hoani Waititi Marae |

16 JUL | 12 - 2PM 

Hoani Waititi Marae will bring their award-winning energy of kapa haka to Takutai Square. The performance will offer audiences a chance to experience the beauty and mana of kapa haka. DJ Dazzle will play before and after the performance, while Māmā’s Hangi will be serving delicious hāngī during lunchtime.  

Matariki for Tamariki

By The New Zealand Dance Company 

15 JUL | 12.15PM

The New Zealand Dance Company brings a free performance to Takutai Square by dancer and choreographer Sean MacDonald (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa). The performance showcases the journey of a group of friends throughout Aotearoa during the Matariki season – an annual custom that honours ongoing relationships to place and each other. 

This band of players discovers the landscape of lush ngahere (forests), mighty maunga (mountains), and majestic moana (oceans), while encountering flora and fauna through the seasonal change. Along the way, the wairua (spirit) of each of the nine whetū (stars) of Matariki also inhabit the performers, who through their adventures use the power and meaning of karakia (prayer), waiata (song) and whakapapa (lineage) to reflect and plant the seeds of new beginnings generating fun and hope for the future ahead.