Star Waka and Nikau Hindin, Kōkōrangi ki Kōkōwai

Star Waka and Nikau Hindin, Kōkōrangi ki Kōkōwai
Available Monday 28 March - Friday 20 May

Star Waka acknowledges past, present and future voyaging to and from Aotearoa in all directions, with the stars reflecting navigation patterns over time and space. Together, the waka and the stars symbolise the universe and the binding together of ira atua (the realm of the gods) and iratangata (the realm of humans). Star Waka is also the title of Robert Sullivan’s book of poetry, which engages with the imagination and encapsulates our vision to create a symbolic waka in a star-studded universe.

Kōkōrangi ki Kōkōwai is a journey in understanding Maramataka and traditional celestial navigation practices through the revitalisation of aute. Kōkōrangi ki kōkōwai is a major solo exhibition by artist Nikau Hindin (Ngai Tūpoto, Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi). Kōkōrangi ki kōkōwai showcases Nikau’s knowledge and commitment to contemporary art through indigenous genealogy and revitalisation practices, specifically in aute and documenting the movement of celestial bodies.

In this programme, we will explore these two exhibitions which are grounded in te ao Māori. Students will explore the ways in which Star Waka and Kōkōrangi ki Kōkōwai both take inspiration from celestial navigation practices, Matariki, Maramataka and early Māori navigation and voyaging.

After our discussion in the Gallery, students will participate in an art-making session and create a star which will be added to the Star Waka.

If you would like to make an enquiry or booking, please contact Juliet Cottrell on 027 332 5496, or via email.

Primary, Intermediate and Secondary
Year 1 - 13

Cost: FREE
Duration: 90 - 120 minutes

Key Themes: Māori celestial navigation/celestial bodies, Matariki, Maramataka, aute/traditional Māori bark cloth, te ao Māori, geometry, design
Subject Areas: Visual Arts, Māori, History, Social Sciences, English