New exhibition celebrates Matariki themes at Wintec

This year a Wintec student exhibition will celebrate Matariki, opening on Wednesday 13 June until Wednesday 20 June.

A team of Media Arts Communication students have created short video clips celebrating Matariki. Graphic design students have each created their own visual representation about themes surrounding Matariki and fashion students have each created garment pieces inspired by the cultural traditions of Matariki.

"I’m really looking forward to this year’s Matariki celebrations - it is shaping up to be a significant date on our school calendar," head of School of Media Arts Sam Cunnane said.

"We're really excited to view the results of the students’ work this term.”

Matariki atua ka eke mai i te rangi e roa,

E whāngainga iho ki te mata o te tau e roa e.

Divine Matariki come forth from the far-off heaven,

Bestow the first fruits of the year upon us.

Matariki has captured the public imagination over the past decade, with events held around Aotearoa New Zealand to mark the rising of the constellation in the dawn sky. As the start of the Māori New Year, this is a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new. Traditionally it was at time for whānau to gather and feast. These traditions are reflected in modern celebrations as families continue to gather and share food.

On Wednesday June 13, at 5pm, the students are celebrating with a special event to encapsulate the spirit of Matariki. Head on down to the launch night of the Media Arts Matariki Project at the Social Space, R Block, Collingwood Street.