Latest news with #Matariki-themed
NZ Herald
25-06-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Whangārei community art installation aims to reduce mental health stigma
Cerise Tana (pictured holding box) with clients and staff from Te Awhi Whānau Charitable Trust who participated in the Matariki-themed art installation currently featured at Whangārei Central Library. A fourth-year social work student has organised a collaborative art project aiming to reduce stigma and discrimination around mental illness. Cerise Tana said her final paper on social justice in action prompted her to look into the issues which, she said, caused a lack of public awareness
Otago Daily Times
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Matariki marked with green theme
Daniel Holland will be demonstrating his chainsaw carvings at this year's Matariki Garden Expo, and one of his sculptures will be raffled for charities. PHOTO: COURIER FILES Green fingers will be growing donations for two children's charities this weekend. The profits of the inaugural Matariki Garden Expo were earmarked for the Child Cancer Foundation and Kidney Kids New Zealand. The event — run by the Geraldine Lioness and Lions Clubs — will be based in the Geraldine Primary School hall. Publicity officer Bev Gregan said the expo had great variety with over 45 "garden-themed" stalls, which would flow out on to the school yards. Mrs Gregan said there would be "lots to see and do". Among other things, workshops included floral wreath making, glass fusing, and microgreens. There were a lot of demonstrations on offer, including some free demonstrations about biodynamic organic gardening, and some from the Geraldine Floral Art Group, who would be making making floral "joy jars". Seminars and a gardening question and answer session would also be held in the hall. Geraldine artist Daniel Holland will be demonstrating chainsaw carving. Mr Holland had donated a carving which would be raffled on the day with all funds going to the two charities. Mrs Gregan said there would be many children's activities included in the day, including face painting and a Matariki-themed drawing competition. She said pictures to be entered in the competition should be brought along on the day and handed in at the door for judging, ensuring the child's name and age were on the back. There would be prizes for each section: 0–5 years, 6-8 years, and 9-12 years. Children's gardening activities would be running all day, with an area provided to encourage children to decorate a pot, then plant a bulb, celebrating the start of a new growing year. The event will be held on Saturday at the Geraldine Primary School Hall from 9.30am-3pm. The cost of entry is $10 for adults, while children can enter free. Devonshire teas and a barbecue would be available to enjoy. For full information and a list of workshops, demonstrations and tickets check
Techday NZ
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Techday NZ
Cricut partners with Māori artists for Matariki charity designs
Cricut has announced a partnership with Māori artists Josh Kiwikiwi, Tayla Hartemink and Talia Musson to launch a Matariki-themed collection in Cricut Design Space, with proceeds from the designs supporting Indigenous charities. The partnership, now in its second year with Josh Kiwikiwi and expanded to include Tayla Hartemink and Talia Musson, makes available a series of Māori designs through the Cricut ANZ Designs profile on the Design Space app. Every time a member of the global Cricut community uses one of the designs to create a custom item, all design proceeds will be donated to the Māori Women's Welfare League, Ngā Rangatahi Toa, and Te Houtaewa Māori Charitable Trust, with each charity nominated by the contributing artists. This initiative coincides with the celebration of Matariki, the Māori New Year, and aims to both support Māori communities and increase the visibility of Māori art and storytelling in digital spaces worldwide. Matariki significance Reflecting on the importance of the project, artist Tayla Hartemink said: "Matariki is a special time for Māori. It holds space for our mātauranga, our wairua, and our pride in being Māori. Creatively, I love how Matariki opens up so many stories - each star holding meaning that connects us to our environment, our loved ones, and our future." Hartemink's comments reflect the focus on both tradition and contemporary digital dissemination, with the collection aiming to bring unique stories tied to Matariki to an international audience through creative technology. Sharing knowledge and stories On the potential for Cricut to support Māori art, Josh Kiwikiwi said: "Sharing Indigenous knowledge through platforms like Cricut allows us to honour the past while embracing the future. It's a beautiful way to keep our stories alive - accessible not just to our own people, but to others who want to engage with and respect Māori culture. Platforms like Cricut create space for Māori and other Indigenous artists to have our stories heard and seen in new, dynamic ways. It's a new kind of storytelling, but one deeply rooted in our traditions." Kiwikiwi's statement highlights the importance of ensuring that Māori stories and traditions are not only preserved within local communities but are also made accessible to a global audience in an authentic and respectful manner. Global reach for Indigenous traditions Artist Talia Musson emphasised the relevance of digital platforms in the continuation and sharing of traditional Māori knowledge: "Platforms like Cricut create a space for indigenous artists to continue those traditions in new and exciting ways. By sharing our designs, we're not only keeping these traditions alive, but we're also inviting others in. It's an opportunity to educate, to inspire, and to strengthen the visibility and voice of indigenous artists on a global scale". The artists' designs are accessible via the Cricut Design Space app, which is used to power all Cricut cutting machines. The Contributing Artist Program (CAP) underpins this collaboration, enabling artists to sell their images to Cricut's global community of millions. Under the program, artwork from CAP artists is available to Cricut Access subscribers at no added cost, while other members can purchase designs individually. Supporting Māori communities The charities benefiting from the initiative include the Māori Women's Welfare League, which focuses on the support of Māori women and their whānau, Ngā Rangatahi Toa, which connects students with education and employment through art and wellbeing programmes, and Te Houtaewa Māori Charitable Trust, which provides relief and support throughout Northland guided by the Māori wellness concept Te Whare Tapa Whā. Cricut has also pledged to match all design usage donations made through June and July 2025, further supporting these nominated organisations. Nicola Dow-Smith, Region Director at Cricut, commented on the collaboration, stating: "We are thrilled to be a part of this incredible initiative for another year and to be able to continue to support the Māori community this Matariki Day. It's wonderful to be able to showcase incredible local artists like Josh, Tayla, and Talia through the Contributing Artist Program, and share their digital designs with our community to make, is a way for us to do our part to honour and respect Māori traditions and culture and keep indigenous storytelling alive, whilst also supporting local communities. "We hope this partnership will be a catalyst for greater recognition and representation within the Cricut community for Māori culture and designs, furthering Cricut's commitment to creativity, community, and celebrating diversity." This collaboration with Māori artists through Cricut's platform seeks to provide practical support for charitable causes while making Māori artistic culture and stories accessible to a broad, international audience of makers and creators.
NZ Herald
26-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Arctic journey, wine tours, and historic events: Five best travel deals to book this week
Treat yourself to a luxurious alpine retreat with seven nights at Cahilty Lodge in Canada's ski-through village of Sun Peaks. Staying in a spacious two-bedroom suite, this package includes a five of six Day Lift Ticket, one free night, and an incredible bonus Kids Ski Free, all adding up to over $1800 in savings. Located in the heart of the charming Sun Peaks, Cahilty Lodge offers ski-in, ski-out access to over 4200 acres of terrain across three spectacular mountains. From perfectly groomed cruisers and gladed tree runs to powder-filled bowls, Sun Peaks delivers world-class skiing in one unforgettable winter escape. From $1925 per person, this deal is on sale until June 1, 2025 for travel between January 4 to February 12, and February 22 to March 21, 2026. Airfares are additional. Prices are per person (family share) and based on quad share occupancy. Visit or call 0800 427 555 to book. Matariki at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs Celebrate Matariki, the Māori New Year, at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs on June 20, 2025. Join charismatic indigenous guide Michael Venner for a magical pre-dawn stargazing experience, sunrise storytelling, and a Matariki-themed gourmet breakfast. This special day invites guests to reflect on Māori values, gratitude, and connection while witnessing the rising of the Pleiades star cluster in the southern sky. Located in culturally rich Taitokerau Northland, Rosewood Kauri Cliffs offers an immersive experience blending stunning natural beauty with Māori traditions. The $2530 suite package includes accommodation for two, stargazing, gourmet meals, a choice of unlimited golf or spa treatments, and more. Book at before rooms sell out. Margaret River and Swan Valley Take a relaxing seven-night trip through Margaret River and Swan Valley, staying at two luxury hotels and enjoying local wine tastings, guided tours, and fine dining. The Ultimate Journeys deal offers five nights at the five-star Parmelia Hilton Perth and two nights at the five-star Cape Lodge from $5265 per person twin share. Inclusions cover luxury accommodations, breakfasts, gourmet meals, wine tastings, private coach tours with an expert guide, private airport transfers, and a small group size capped at 14 guests. Travel dates are from October 28 to November 2, 2025, March 17 to 22, and June 9 to 14, 2026. Book by March 31, 2026, at Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is coming to Auckland for the first time ever, marking a major cultural event set to take over Eden Park in February 2026. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the world-renowned show will feature over 1000 performers, including the iconic Massed Pipes and Drums from UK Military regiments. With themes of tradition, history and heroism, the event promises a powerful and unforgettable spectacle across two shows on February 19 and February 21, 2026. House of Travel offers exclusive early accommodation and ticket packages, starting from $489 per person. Sales are open now, and availability is limited. Book at to secure your spot before public tickets go on sale.
