Matariki is the star cluster that signifies reflection, hope, our connection to the environment and the gathering of people. Matariki is also connected to the health and wellbeing of people.

To celebrate Puaka Matariki 2021, Dunedin Public Libraries brings you a programme focusing on community - sharing experiences and knowledge, learning new skills, playing games and making music together.

Exhibition: Te Takarangi – Celebrating Māori scholarship, mātauranga and academic excellence

A joint collaboration between Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga and the Royal Society Te Apārangi, Te Takarangi provides a glimpse into the rich publishing history of Māori-led-non-fiction work, with a particular focus on the later years as the growing publication of Māori research has blossomed. It acknowledges the mātauranga and inspirational Māori voices that shape and inform our scholarly debate in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Te Takarangi is an acknowledgement and celebration of Māori-led scholarship and writing across time and genres. The collection of 150 non-fiction publications provides an overview of some of the most important Māori leaders, thinkers and authors of our time. From the first book published about the Māori language in 1815, to current Māori scholars, researchers and writers making their mark, Te Takarangi is something we can all celebrate.
Friday 2nd July – Saturday 31st July, 2021
Ground Floor, Dunedin City Library, Moray Place

A celebration of living Ngāi Tahutanga: free film screenings

During Māori New Year, Dunedin Public Libraries will have the honour of screening the Ngāi Tahu Mahinga Kai and Ngā Ringa Toi o Tahu series of short films, celebrating what it is to be Ngāi Tahu in an exploration of the creative artistry and traditional practices of the iwi.

Courtesy of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.

Repeat screenings daily.

Friday 2nd July – Friday 16th July
All Dunedin Public Libraries (except South Dunedin pop-up, Blueskin Bay Library and Bookbuses)

Hurahia ana kā Whetū
Unveiling the Stars
Hurahia anakāWhetū is the result of a series of ongoing conversations between the team at Dunedin Public Art Gallery and Paemanu, a group of Ngāi Tahu visual artists. Over a period of more than two years, the Gallery and Paemanu have been working in partnership, sharing knowledge and developing relationships that reach across many aspects of our work. HurahiaanakāWhetū celebrates the history of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery collection, the first of its kind to be established in Aotearoa. It upholds the stories and ideas carried by art works that reside within this institution. Through partnership, working to elevate Māori and indigenous voices, and layering multiple viewpoints, HurahiaanakāWhetū looks to the past to create new paths forward.
12 June 2021 - 30 October 2022
Dunedin Public Art Gallery

Celebrating Puaka Matariki 2021: The lost art of...

Matariki is a great time to connect with your Community and learn new skills. Join us for this series of FREE talks and adventures rediscovering traditional pastimes:

Backyard Beekeeping
In this talk Local beekeeper Brendan Christie Talks about the joy of backyard beekeeping, with a chance to taste some sweet local honey and maybe even try your hand at a spot of extraction!

Monday 5th July, 6pm
Dunningham Suite, 4th Floor, Dunedin City Library

Foraging
In this workshop, local food foragers Danie Erickson and Josh Urquhart describe edible plants to look for around Dunedin and how to make a meal of them. Discover the joy of foraging for food in green spaces and how to safely create delicious kai from ingrediens found on a nature walk.

You’ll also have the chance to try some tasty delights made from nature’s larder.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL (numbers limited): library website or email library@dcc.govt.nz or call 03 474 3690

Tuesday 6th July, 6pm
Dunningham Suite, 4th Floor, Dunedin City Library

Family Board Games
Dungeons and Dragons, Chess, Mokimoki (te reo Māori Scrabble), or bring your own board game.

Bring the whānau and friends and connect with other players.

Suitable for all ages

Wednesday 7 July, 4pm–8pm
Floor 2 Makerspace, City Library

Waiata Mai, Waiata Atu

The new year season of Puaka and Matariki is a great time to connect with your community, and waiata are a beautiful and vital form of expression.

Join us to hear the Dunedin City Waiata Group sharing a selection of waiata to celebrate the rising of te huihui o Matariki. You are very welcome to sing along, or just sit back and enjoy the music. Song sheets will be available for those who are keen to join in.

Thursday 8th July, 11am-12noon
Ground Floor, Dunedin City Library

Singsong
Join the North East Valley Ukes for a sing-along.

Waiata, traditional tunes or well-known standards – you all know the words! Come and sing for the companionship and joy of singing.

And if you have an ukulele, why not bring it along?

Thursday 8th July, 6pm
Dunningham Foyer, 4th Floor, Dunedin City Library

Hand Sewing
Stitch Kitchen presents a fabulous community art project. Get creative and express yourself, your love of fashion, and of our fabulous city! Patch Up is your chance to learn sewing skills and create unique patches that can add personality, and extend the life of your clothing and accessories. Patch Up will give you practical skills to keep start your journey of creating and recreating your wardrobe in small yet meaningful acts of revolution.

FREE and all materials provided.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL - limited places (see links below)

Friday 16th July (for Teens aged 13-18) 1pm-4pm, Teen Space, 2nd floor, City Library

OR

Saturday 17th July (for whānau aged 8+) 12pm-3pm, Living Hub, Ground Floor, City Library

Porotiti Mindfulness Meditation & Taonga Pūoro Workshops with Rob Thorne

Dunedin Public Libraries Puaka Matariki 2021 in association with Creative Communities and Yellow Eye Ltd present a series of workshops by Taonga Puoro composer, performer and anthropologist Rob Thorne. The porotiti is a traditional Māori musical instrument known to also be used in traditional healing. Family-friendly event, suitable for ages 5 and up

Koha welcome. BOOKING ESSENTIAL - see links below

TOUR DATES:

Tuesday 13th July, 6-8pm – Karitane Hall, Coast Road (in association with Waikouaiti Library)

Wednesday 14th July, 6-8pm – Downes Room, Mosgiel Library, 7 Hartstonge Avenue

Thursday 15th July, 6-8pm – Port Chalmers Library, cnr Beach and Grey Street

Saturday 17th July, 2-4pm – Dunningham Suite, 4th Floor, Dunedin City Library, 230 Moray Place

Other Matariki events...

Visit the Otago Museum this Sunday, 4 July for an official Dunedin celebration of Matariki and the Māori new year with a dawn ceremony, free breakfast, and community day.

From 7am, the celebrations begin in the Museum Reserve with karakia to welcome Matariki into the dawn sky and then move inside for kōrero and waiata before a FREE community breakfast.
9am onwards, enjoy a community fun day including a range of performances and activities for the whole whānau, including kapa haka, workshops, crafts, and more!

Free |Otago Museum and Museum Reserve | 7am – 4pm, Sunday 4 July