Ngā Whetū

In support of Aotearoa's continued learning behind the meaning and importance of Matariki and Te Tau Hou Māori (the Māori New Year), the Homestead Galleries present a group exhibition of Māori artists; each showcasing works that speak to ngā whetū (the stars), Puanga and the Matariki cluster.

Kōrero tuku iho (traditions, oral tradition, stories of the past) passed down will differ between iwi and whānau. While some iwi herald the new year with the Matariki star cluster – whether that be nine stars or seven stars (as per Tainui star lore) – other iwi are unable to see Matariki from their rohe (region) and celebrate a star named Puanga instead.

Through the group's distinctive methods of storytelling and their own personal perspectives, Ngā Whetū offers a rich view into the significance of these stars, as they pertain to the people of Aotearoa New Zealand, across a wide range of creative disciplines.

Read the exhibition booklet
Read the artist bios
View the exhibition catalogue

Read the Five Under 5 interview with Siniva Williams and curator Melina Payne.

Gallery Programmes accompanying this exhibition:
June Saturday Gallery Club: Pukapuka Whakawhetai
June Gallery Bubs
Curators’ Tour: Ngā Whetū
Dawn Wishes to Hiwa-i-te-Rangi

Images: Ralph Brown