Matariki stars shine over Unitec

The rain cleared and the stars came out to shine for last night’s Matariki celebration Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae. The Puna Kōrero project has been ongoing for the past nine months and culminated with a morning working bee in the puna, followed by the evening event, with the launch of a storytelling mobile app, the unveiling of Allana Goldsmith’s reo Māori music video “Manaakitia,” and a projection-mapped animation show.

Unitec’s whānau were joined by members of the local community, and it was lovely to see and hear the marae full of song, laughter and the sound of tamariki playing as everyone enjoyed the clear night, shared kai, the beautiful visuals of the live animation show, and live music by Allana Goldsmith. Ngā mihi nui to everyone who attended, for the mahi of the many people who made this event possible, and a special thank you to Assoc Prof Leon Tan for being the driving force behind it.

  • Marae and MAIA staff, especially Tanya White and Hohepa Renata, and Creative Industries Staff, Peeti Lamwilai, Cris de Groot, Michael Craven and Emma Smith, and Bachelor of Design and Contemporary Arts students Marina Fepulea’I, Oleana Lavea, Samantha Waddell, Anahera van Leeuwen and Stephen Liu, who made the development of the campus storytelling app and animated projection show possible;
  • Students and staff of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Maungarongo who collaborated with our students and staff on the drawing and animation project;
  • Marcus Williams and Tuapapa Rangahau for supporting this applied research;

Special guests and speakers:

  • Melissa Lee (Minister of Economic Development, Ethnic Affairs)
  • Kendyl Smith (Chair of Albert Eden Local Board)
  • Peata Leef (Tumuaki, Principal of Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Nga Maungarongo)

Ngā Kaitiaki for ongoing kaitiakitanga / care for our whenua and wahi tapu.

We hope to see you there next year!

 

One comment on “Matariki stars shine over Unitec

  1. Yvonne Culbreath on

    An amazing event. Such a blessing for all at this special time. Thank-you to the organizing team and the wonderful support team who worked together to make this event memorable.
    We look forward to next year where our gathering allows us to be present in this space. As we pause to remember, honoring the past, the present and future possibilities with respect, celebration, appreciation and thankfulness.

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