As the Matariki stars rise once again, NGĀ ART warmly invites the Ngāruawāhia and North Waikato community to gather, reflect, and celebrate at this year’s Matariki ki Au, a textile and fibre exhibition.
Opening on Friday 3 July at 6pm, this much-loved annual event transforms Te Whare Toi o Ngāruawāhia into a space of storytelling, creativity, and connection. The exhibition will then be open daily from 4–10 July, 10am–4pm, with a handful of late-night openings for those who prefer to experience the works in the evening.
Matariki ki Au is a powerful textile and fibre exhibition featuring over 50 artworks created by artists and community members of all ages. Each piece offers a personal response to Matariki-exploring remembrance, whakapapa, identity, renewal, and aspirations for the year ahead.
Through weaving, stitching, quilting, and mixed fibre practices, these works bring together many voices from across the rohe. The result is a deeply moving collection that reflects both individual stories and our shared connection to place, people, and season.
At its heart, Matariki ki Au is about participation and meaning. As NGĀ ART shared during the call for works, this exhibition is not about perfection; it’s about expression. It’s about what Matariki represents to you, your whānau, your memories, and your hopes.
Opening Night – A Night to Remember
The opening evening on 3 July will be a special community celebration. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere featuring:
A small outdoor stage with live performances
A cosy fire pit to gather around
Telescopes for stargazing and connecting with Matariki above
Delicious food trucks on site
It’s an opportunity to come together as a community under the winter sky-sharing kai, stories, and creative expression as we mark the Māori New Year.
A Space for Everyone
Rooted in kaupapa Māori values of whanaungatanga and manaakitanga, Matariki ki Au offers an inclusive and accessible experience for all. From tamariki to kaumātua, the exhibition reflects the richness and diversity of our community, with works that speak to identity, remembrance, and the future. This is more than an exhibition it’s a collective expression of who we are and what Matariki means to us.
Whether you come along to opening night or visit during the week, we invite you to take your time, connect with the artworks, and reflect on your own Matariki journey.
Matariki ki Au is a celebration of creativity, culture, and community and we look forward to welcoming you.
