Thursday the 27th and Friday the 28th of June, AROUNI Indigenous Arts Festival with First Lights presents ‘Matariki’, a drone light, sound and story event this midwinter at the Rotorua Lakefront, Aotearoa. Created by Māori artists Cian Elyse White (Ngāti Pikiao) and Mataia Keepa (Ngāti Whakaue), Matariki tells the stories of environmental markers connected to this star cluster, as well as the large Waka or Canoe (Te Waka o Rangi) and it’s captain Taramainuku. Ilona McGuire, First Lights – Moombaki 2021. Courtesy of the artist and Fremantle Biennale. Photo: Duncan Wright.

Join us for the 2024 Star Glaze Mid Winter Ceramics Festival, an exciting celebration of art and the traditions of Matariki, set against the picturesque backdrop of Ōtaki Maori Racing Club. The festival kicks off with a captivating opening ceremony, heralding the beginning of a vibrant weekend filled with diverse events, captivating exhibits, delicious food, lively music, and much more. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Matariki and discover the magic of pottery in a festival like no other.