Tīrama Mai cultural festival returns this winter to celebrate Puaka-Matariki in Christchurch

Tīrama Mai cultural festival, produced by Christchurch City Council, is returning this winter to celebrate Puaka-Matariki.

Puaka and Matariki are two important celestial events in Māori culture that have been revitalised in recent times.

The event will draw together an array  of artistic, lighting and cultural displays, including performances and storytelling.

Christchurch City Council Manager of Events and Arts Lucy Blackmore notes “Tīrama Mai draws thousands of people to the central city, where an exciting trail of illuminated artworks, projections, music soundscapes, lightboxes and interactive installations can be discovered and enjoyed.”

This year, the event hub will be at The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, and installations will also be positioned along Worcester Boulevard, at Riverside Market and by Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre near the Ōtakaro Avon River.

Opening on Friday 21st June and running every evening until Sunday 30th June, the event coincides with the rise of the Puaka and Matariki constellation, signalling Te Tau Hou – the new year in the Māori calendar. The displays light up from 5pm – 10pm. Attendance is free.

Blackmore adds “A special part of the event is the storytelling and kapa haka performances on selected nights. We work closely with Ngāi Tahu to share local cultural narratives, and we commission a range of artists and creative agencies who interweave and impart that cultural knowledge through their works.

“We encourage people who are coming to Tīrama Mai to make a night of it – there’ll be food vendors by The Art Centre, and there are endless hospitality venues near the event.

“Come together with whānau and friends to enjoy the Matariki period – a time for reflection, rest, cultural learning and celebration of the coming year.”

On opening night, Friday 21st June, a kapa haka performance begins at 6.30pm in the North Quad of The Art Centre. There’ll be live storytelling sessions alongside kapa haka on Saturday 22nd June, Sunday 23rd June, and Thursday 27th June through to Sunday 30th June – running from 6.30pm till 8pm under the canopy next to Altiora (by the Hereford Street car park).

Tīrama Mai is just one of the many exciting events happening in Ōtautahi-Christchurch this winter. Check out What’s On for all the latest. 

Image. Credit: Christchurch City Council