Arts Out East is proud to this year be working with the Howick Village Association to celebrate Matariki, the Maori New Year.
A large-scale community project involving nearly 300 local tamariki (children) led to the creation and installation of flags along the main street of Howick village, Ash Grogan says.
“Matariki Māori New Year is a time for reflection, remembrance, celebration, and future planning.
“It encourages us to connect with our whānau (family) and whenua (land), to care for our environment, and to seek guidance from Te Taiao (the natural world) in our efforts towards Kaitiakitanga (guardianship).
“In kōrero (conversations) with Whaea Taini from O Wairoa Marae and Pita Turei, stories and wisdom were shared.
“From these enriching exchanges, along with the thoughtful symbols sourced and sketched by Briana Woolliams, the concepts that Matariki represents began to take shape.”
Grogan says that collaborative effort inspired the creation of four Mythical Creatures.
The creatures were transformed into Matariki Kaitiaki (Guardians) with the help of local tamariki (children) from Owairoa Primary School and Mellons Bay School, making it a truly community-driven project.
“The children’s drawings, etched into the cosmos of these creatures, come together as a galactic constellation.
“This transformation is not just a visual spectacle, but a testament to the children’s imagination and creativity that transcends the boundaries of their classrooms.
“It encourages them to look up and beyond, fostering a sense of unity and connection while acknowledging the land, mana whenua (indigenous authority), and community.
“These creatures act as guardians from the sky, land, and sea.”
Artist Chantel Matthews adds: “That which we nourish, will nourish us in return.”
In mid-June, running alongside the flag installation, will be the second instalment of the Howick Frames, featuring the students’ work from Owairoa Primary School and Mellons Bay School which was created for the flags.
The Howick Frames is an innovative exhibition space in the heart of Howick.
Grogan says it provides a platform for local creatives to showcase their talents in a public setting.
Located in the Wellington Street car park, adjacent to Rice’s Mall and behind Howick Village Jewellers, the dynamic exhibition space aims to foster community engagement and celebrate the cultural diversity of Howick.
Arts Out East is a community arts service that promotes diverse creative arts in east Auckland.
Its brokers work within the existing creative community, offering guidance in range of arts activities and activations for local audiences including art installations, public events, theatre, dance and cultural performances and creative workshops.
Arts Out East is funded by the Howick Local Board and Te Tuhi.
- Disclosure: Howick Local Board deputy chairperson Bo Burns is the owner of the Times.
