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Scoop
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Stars Align For Wellington's Matariki Ahi Kā
Press Release – Wellington City Council This years Matariki festivities begin with Mana Moana Pneke, a series of indigenous short films projected onto a water screen in Whairepo Lagoon, running on weekend nights from 7-22 June. Welcome in the Māori New Year in style as the waterfront comes alive with Matariki Ahi Kā – a whānau-friendly celebration of fire,projections, performances, and kai. This year's Matariki festivities begin with Mana Moana Pōneke, a series of indigenous short films projected onto a water screen in Whairepo Lagoon, running on weekend nights from 7-22 June. Matariki Ahi Kā will light up the waterfront every night from 6pm–9pm from 19-22 June, offering a self-guided experience that journeys through Past, Present and Future zones. Each zone will be marked with a tomokanga (entranceway) that embodies its kaupapa (purpose), guiding attendees through fire installations, large-scale projections, live performances, interactive storytelling, traditional Māori games, and kai from food trucks. Local talent will take to the Aroha and Takoha stages with acts including the Ngāti Pōneke Young Māori Club, Tom Knowles (reggae, roots), Rei (bilingual Urban and Electronic), Tui (soul, pop), and Awerangi (old-school jams). In a tribute to those who have passed since last Matariki, names submitted by the public will be projected onto a Memorial Wall on the side of Te Papa near the Solace in the Wind statue. Each evening of Matariki Ahi Kā, a ceremonial walk will start at 7.40pm from the Barnett Street car moving procession follows the journey of the Matariki whetū (stars). Visitors are invited to write down names, memories, wishes, and aspirations, and place these in baskets located at the Memorial Wall and Whairepo Lagoon before 7.30pm. These will be released into a ceremonial flame following the procession, sending them to the stars above. 'Matariki is a time to pause and reflect on the past year, celebrate our present achievements, and look forward to the future with renewed hope and aspirations. Here in Wellington, our Matariki celebrations emphasise the vital role of whānau and community in bringing us all together,' says Mayor Tory Whanau. 'We invite everyone – Wellingtonians and visitors alike – to join us in these special Matariki celebrations.' The celebration of Matariki and Puanga, the Māori New Year, dates back over 700 years. The rising of Puanga (Rigel in Orion) and the Matariki star cluster (Pleiades) marks a time to reflect on the past, reconnect with whānau, share kai, celebrate, and look forward to the year ahead. Other events in the region at this time include Matariki events at Council's Community Centres, Wellington City Libraries and in the Botanic Garden ki Paekākā. The WAITUHI Matariki flags will be on display in Frank Kitts Park from 18 June – 12 July. This year's WAITUHI Matariki public art series for the 8-flag poles is Te Kohinga Whētu: Collecting the Stars, by artist Reuben Paterson (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāi Tūhoe, Tūhourangi, Scottish). The Matariki exhibition opening 7 June in the Courtenay Place Light Boxes (77-97 Courtenay Place) is Tiaki by artist Shannon Te Rangihaeata Clamp (Ngāti Toa Rangatira Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Tama). Tiaki is a manaia, a bearer who connects the worldly and spiritual realms. Tiaki acknowledges the space between and overlapping people, atua, this place, its histories, and its presence. Event details: Mana Moana Pōneke 7-8 June, 14-15 June, 19-22 June 6pm–9pm Whairepo Lagoon Free event In the lead-up to Matariki Ahi Kā and during the long weekend, enjoy Mana Moana Pōneke, a series of indigenous short films projected on a water screen. The films this year have been curated by Israel Randell (Rarotonga, Tainui, Ngāti Kahungunu) and are guided by the wise words of Moana Jackson's: 'In time, like te ao marama emerging out of te pō, mourning gives way to dreaming.' Matariki Ahi Kā Thursday 19 June – Sunday 22 June 2025 6pm–9pm Wellington Waterfront Free event Matariki Ahi Kā is an immersive self-led walking journey including fire, performances, projections, a ceremony each night to honour those who have passed away and to express hopes for the future, the Mana Moana Pōneke water screen, and kai. Find out more on Council's website: Matariki Ahi Kā and Mana Moana Pōneke are accessible. Toilets, including an accessible toilet are available. There is an unmanned drop-off point at the Te Papa main entrance. To avoid parking frustration during this busy time, we encourage everyone to walk, bike, scoot, or use public transport. Cyclists and e-scooters, please follow diversions or walk your wheels, and pedestrians take extra care due to the changes.
Scoop
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Stars Align For Wellington's Matariki Ahi Kā
Welcome in the Māori New Year in style as the waterfront comes alive with Matariki Ahi Kā – a whānau-friendly celebration of fire,projections, performances, and kai. This year's Matariki festivities begin with Mana Moana Pōneke, a series of indigenous short films projected onto a water screen in Whairepo Lagoon, running on weekend nights from 7-22 June. Matariki Ahi Kā will light up the waterfront every night from 6pm–9pm from 19-22 June, offering a self-guided experience that journeys through Past, Present and Future zones. Each zone will be marked with a tomokanga (entranceway) that embodies its kaupapa (purpose), guiding attendees through fire installations, large-scale projections, live performances, interactive storytelling, traditional Māori games, and kai from food trucks. Local talent will take to the Aroha and Takoha stages with acts including the Ngāti Pōneke Young Māori Club, Tom Knowles (reggae, roots), Rei (bilingual Urban and Electronic), Tui (soul, pop), and Awerangi (old-school jams). In a tribute to those who have passed since last Matariki, names submitted by the public will be projected onto a Memorial Wall on the side of Te Papa near the Solace in the Wind statue. Each evening of Matariki Ahi Kā, a ceremonial walk will start at 7.40pm from the Barnett Street car moving procession follows the journey of the Matariki whetū (stars). Visitors are invited to write down names, memories, wishes, and aspirations, and place these in baskets located at the Memorial Wall and Whairepo Lagoon before 7.30pm. These will be released into a ceremonial flame following the procession, sending them to the stars above. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading 'Matariki is a time to pause and reflect on the past year, celebrate our present achievements, and look forward to the future with renewed hope and aspirations. Here in Wellington, our Matariki celebrations emphasise the vital role of whānau and community in bringing us all together,' says Mayor Tory Whanau. 'We invite everyone – Wellingtonians and visitors alike – to join us in these special Matariki celebrations.' The celebration of Matariki and Puanga, the Māori New Year, dates back over 700 years. The rising of Puanga (Rigel in Orion) and the Matariki star cluster (Pleiades) marks a time to reflect on the past, reconnect with whānau, share kai, celebrate, and look forward to the year ahead. Other events in the region at this time include Matariki events at Council's Community Centres, Wellington City Libraries and in the Botanic Garden ki Paekākā. The WAITUHI Matariki flags will be on display in Frank Kitts Park from 18 June – 12 July. This year's WAITUHI Matariki public art series for the 8-flag poles is Te Kohinga Whētu: Collecting the Stars, by artist Reuben Paterson (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāi Tūhoe, Tūhourangi, Scottish). The Matariki exhibition opening 7 June in the Courtenay Place Light Boxes (77-97 Courtenay Place) is Tiaki by artist Shannon Te Rangihaeata Clamp (Ngāti Toa Rangatira Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Tama). Tiaki is a manaia, a bearer who connects the worldly and spiritual realms. Tiaki acknowledges the space between and overlapping people, atua, this place, its histories, and its presence. Event details: Mana Moana Pōneke 7-8 June, 14-15 June, 19-22 June 6pm–9pm Whairepo Lagoon Free event In the lead-up to Matariki Ahi Kā and during the long weekend, enjoy Mana Moana Pōneke, a series of indigenous short films projected on a water screen. The films this year have been curated by Israel Randell (Rarotonga, Tainui, Ngāti Kahungunu) and are guided by the wise words of Moana Jackson's: 'In time, like te ao marama emerging out of te pō, mourning gives way to dreaming.' Matariki Ahi Kā Thursday 19 June - Sunday 22 June 2025 6pm–9pm Wellington Waterfront Free event Matariki Ahi Kā is an immersive self-led walking journey including fire, performances, projections, a ceremony each night to honour those who have passed away and to express hopes for the future, the Mana Moana Pōneke water screen, and kai. Find out more on Council's website: Matariki Ahi Kā and Mana Moana Pōneke are accessible. Toilets, including an accessible toilet are available. There is an unmanned drop-off point at the Te Papa main entrance. To avoid parking frustration during this busy time, we encourage everyone to walk, bike, scoot, or use public transport. Cyclists and e-scooters, please follow diversions or walk your wheels, and pedestrians take extra care due to the changes.
NZ Herald
23-05-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Opinion: Delivering hope in Ukraine's darkest hours
It was a humanitarian crisis on an overwhelming scale. And it remains so today. Given my military and business background, I felt compelled to act - and act decisively. Kiwi K.A.R.E (Kiwi Aid & Refugee Evacuation) was founded with one clear goal: To reach those most vulnerable and in need, and provide meaningful and practical assistance. Kiwi K.A.R.E senior team leader Richie Andrew operating in the Donetsk region in Ukraine. While our core work still focuses on the delivery of humanitarian and medical aid, and conducting evacuations, we also recognised specific needs early in the war. Due to the constancy of attacks on power, water and medical infrastructure, we evolved into a stove and water-boiler fabricator, and we run a burgeoning ambulance service. The former were constructed from recycled electrical water cylinders collected from all over Ukraine; the latter was enabled by shipping 35 ambulances from New Zealand, Australia and Estonia. Three years later, I also realise that Kiwi K.A.R.E has been doing something else. We have been delivering hope. It took a number of Ukrainians to say this to me before it sunk in and, once it did, our focus became even clearer. Hope is a powerful force that can profoundly impact individuals and communities. Its significance lies in its ability to inspire resilience, motivate action, and foster a sense of purpose even under the most arduous of conditions. And conditions in Ukraine's beleaguered south and east are most certainly arduous. Armed conflict invariably leads to a breakdown of essential services, leaving civilians without access to food, clean water, healthcare, and shelter. Kiwi K.A.R.E, while small compared to the big aid agencies, has met those needs in a very specific geographic: behind the frontlines. To do this effectively, we needed to move away from relying solely on multinational volunteers. Two of the 35 Kiwi K.A.R.E ambulances, Aroha and Maia, operating in red zone areas in Ukraine. I have had the privilege of working with some extraordinary volunteers from all over the world, many have become close friends. However, war takes its toll - it is exhausting and demoralising. Added to this, volunteers, together with our ambulances and humanitarian vehicles, are in my view increasingly being targeted by Russian drones. I am returning to Ukraine in July for my fourth six-month tour of duty and this threat is already playing on my mind. Kiwi K.A.R.E operates in dangerous conditions, with team members often risking their own safety to reach those in dire need. And we are by no means the only ones that do - there are many and I admire them all hugely. By late 2022, I recognised we needed staffing consistency, and the transient nature of international volunteers wasn't adequate to meet our growing operational tempo. Out of this need came our Success-Through-Partnership model. This thinking led us to establishing legally binding partnerships with two Ukrainian NGOs: Day-by-Day Foundation and iHELP. These two organisations were founded by some amazing humans, and it is a great honour to partner with them. Success-Through-Partnership has been working well since 2023 and it ensures mission-effect, in that we are able to move at pace and provide exactly what is required in a specific geography to those who need it most. It has been our objective to progressively hand over responsibility of humanitarian operations to our Ukrainian partners to foster local ownership, build capacity and ensure sustainability. This strategy is working well, and our local teams have become increasingly empowered and capable, which, in turn, promotes long-term recovery and resilience. Together with our Ukrainian partners, and thanks to the incredible generosity of many thousands of New Zealanders, we have made a positive difference in the lives of many. To date, Kiwi K.A.R.E has achieved: The evacuation of over 3000 civilians, Fabrication of over 4500 stoves and water boilers (and we have requests for 5000 more), Distribution of over 300 generators, Supply of 35 ambulances from NZ and AU, plus seven support vehicles including a truck, Delivery of many hundreds of tonnes of humanitarian and medical aid, and the next 10 ambulances are en route now and due to arrive in Bremerhaven, Germany, in early July. Ukraine's sovereign future remains very much undecided. Despite a lot of talk from many world leaders, there is little to hang hope on at this juncture. Russian attacks still rain down on an almost daily basis with many targeting hospitals, schools, water and power infrastructure. Increasingly, civilians are being targeted and killed. And so as Kiwi K.A.R.E marks our third anniversary, it is not so much a celebration, rather it reinforces our continued commitment to providing humanitarian support, saving lives, protecting human rights, and fostering recovery. Tenby Powell. And it specifically reminds me of our raison d'être: to reach those most vulnerable and in need, and provide meaningful and practical assistance. And to continuing delivering hope. Thank you, New Zealand, for your generous support. Tenby Powell is a humanitarian, veteran, business and social entrepreneur, and founder of Kiwi Aid & Refugee Evacuation (Kiwi K.A.R.E)
Otago Daily Times
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Letters to the Editor: Kaikorai, the university and tourism
Today's Letters to the Editor from readers cover topics including the water quality in the Kaikorai stream, the uni's bureaucratic incompetence, and is tourism going to shrink? Decision humiliates University of Otago The University of Otago's dreadful decision to put the Frances Hodgkins and Mozart Fellowships "on hold" shows bureaucratic incompetence: they were yanked after applications had already opened, closing in under a month. Much worse, it highlights strategic ineptitude at the highest levels. These fellowships' support for artists has established an enduring legacy for not just the university but our city and all Otago. They somehow seem, however, to have failed to fulfil one of their key purposes: to foster interest in music and the arts within the university itself. Does the university's "deep disappointment" suffice? No, and especially not when they then suggest benefactors might bail them out. Rather, the choice not to find $200,000 and avoid this reputational catastrophe humiliates the university, and shames those responsible. Fellowship's importance I was saddened to read that the Frances Hodgkins Fellowship has been temporarily suspended because of insufficient returns from the trust funds that finance what is without doubt the most important visual arts residency in the country. As a former two-times selector, while director of the Auckland City Art Gallery, and knowing several former Fellows personally, I am well aware of the Fellowship's great significance for the visual arts in New Zealand. I would hope that the University of Otago's development team is working hard to find a benefactor willing to add funds to the trust. And on a related matter, while visiting Dunedin for a few days I was hugely impressed by the ODT 's arts coverage, and especially the weekly arts section. Besides reviews of the Auckland Philharmonia's concerts the arts get no regular coverage in Auckland's daily paper. Stream story I enjoyed reading the article ( ODT 3.5.25) about the Kaikorai Stream. I grew up in the valley and the stream wound its way past our house. I spent many hours playing in the stream, with access gained from the park opposite KVC. Eighteen months ago we took six of our mokopuna on a "Kaikorai investigation". We also found lots of rubbish in the water, including several used vapes. It is disappointing to hear about the deteriorating water quality. I applaud the efforts of Aroha and Paul as well as Hendrick and others who are attempting to improve the stream by planting native trees. We live beside Stevensons Creek, which feeds into Kaikorai Stream. We've noticed the changes in water colour at times but we also have a resident eel. Thanks so much Mary Williams for an informative article and telling us about the positive attempts being made to improve the stream. Emotion and fact Upon reading the letter (2.5.25) from Statistics NZ support manager Kathy Connolly I almost had to check it wasn't April 1 again. According to Stats NZ, ethnicity is now based on "self-identification" and "feeling", rather than the apparently outdated measures of race, ancestry and nationality. So, if you watch an enjoyable movie set in the Australian outback and awaken feeling a bit Aboriginal, that can be the new you. Officially. How far this could go is mind-boggling, and it probably goes quite a way to explain the rise in various ethnic group numbers, somewhat at odds with normal birth rates. It also makes you wonder at the veracity or even the point of any statistical measurement, if emotion and feeling can be officially substituted for objectivity and fact. Wrapped around the axle of a juggernaut Can we be adults about climate, private equity and overpopulation in regards to tourism in New Zealand? As you might have worked out, as predicted, the world has been destabilised by blind stupidity of late so the question we have to ask is our current leadership smart enough to be ahead of the game or are they wrapped around the axle of this runaway juggernaut? There appears to be no stomach for preparing for what is coming as our leaders' priorities are not matching up with reality. Tourism is going to shrink as things get worse and that will be balanced by economic refugees trying to escape unfixable political problems so we should all be prepared to deal with this kind of event but also look at what Anglo-Polynesian New Zealanders need from their public spaces for their health and wellbeing, the nitty gritty that only creative people can create. Be mindful that money is ethereal but people are real and use people with respect to present a country to be proud of, or as they say just be kind. Oh and allow cycling and access in selected locations in our national parks for our older citizens to enjoy the retirement they deserve. The prince and the pauper In the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia, for one day or more masters became slaves and slaves became masters. Couldn't we revive and modernise that wholesome custom by having the master of all, President Donald Trump, change places with the servant of all, Pope Leo XIV, for one day at least, preferably for more? Address Letters to the Editor to: Otago Daily Times, PO Box 517, 52-56 Lower Stuart St, Dunedin. Email: editor@
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
K-drama star and ASTRO's Cha Eun-Woo enlisting in South Korean military this July? Here's what fans should know
ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo, who is also a top K-drama actor, has officially applied to join the Republic of Korea Army's military band, with his enlistment potentially scheduled for July 2025. His agency, Fantagio, confirmed on May 9 that he has completed the interview process for the position. The final results are expected to be announced on May 29. If accepted, Eun-woo will undergo basic training in July before beginning service in the military band, which is known for its ceremonial duties and musical performances. At 28, he would be the second ASTRO member to enlist, following MJ, who served from May 2022 to November 2023. [#차은우][블로그] 찬란한 빛▶️ #아스트로 #ASTRO #CHAEUNWOO Cha Eun-woo stays busy amid enlistment news Despite the possibility of enlistment, Cha Eun-woo remains active in the entertainment industry. He is currently filming the Netflix series The Wonder Fools and is also set to appear in the upcoming movie First Ride. If confirmed, Cha Eun-woo's enlistment will mark a meaningful chapter in both his career and his bond with fans as they prepare for his temporary departure. Fans react Fans have shared mixed emotions about the news, expressing both pride and sadness online, especially on X (formerly known as Twitter). One fan wrote, "Everything makes more sense now… him worrying Aroha would be bored in 2025, how badly he wanted to release the moon song, #Stargraphy being a full group show… I don't even want to list the rest. He was telling us in his own way, and we just didn't see it." Everything makes more sense now… him worrying Aroha would be bored in 2025, how badly he wanted to release the moon song, #stargraphy being a full group show… I don't even want to list the rest. He was telling us in his own way & we just didn't see it💔🌙#차은우 #CHAEUNWOO Another said, "What's that about Cha Eun-woo enlisting in the army in July?" Cómo que Cha Eun-woo ya se va a enlistar al ejército en Julio? 🥺 One added, "He'll always have our support, love, and heart! He's assertive, we'll be with him anywhere at any time! We're not prepared for this news. We never would be. We'll miss him for sure, but may the best be done for him, because he deserves nothing less!" He'll always have our support,love and heart! He's assertive, we'll be with him anywhere at any time!We're not prepared for this never would miss him for sure,but may the best be done for him cause he deserves nothing less!WE LOVE CHAEUNWOO #CHAEUNWOO #차은우 ASTRO's comeback concert ASTRO will return to the stage with their first solo concert in three years, The 4th ASTROAD [Stargraphy], scheduled for June 7 and 8 at the Incheon Inspire Arena. This will be their first full-scale concert since The 3rd ASTROAD to Seoul [STARGAZER] in 2022. 💜ASTRO The 4th ASTROAD [Stargraphy]OFFICIAL MD 배송(DELIVERY) 예약 판매 OPEN💜📆 25. 05. 09 (FRI) 12:00 - 25. 05. 26 (MON) 23:59 (KST) 🔗 KR : US : CN : JP : 5만원… The group is expected to deliver a powerful performance, showcasing their enduring synergy—alongside former member Rocky, adding to the excitement for fans.
