Matariki celebrations in Tauranga this year are being enriched by more than 20 events to be held at the Tauranga Historic Villlage.

"Having celebrated here in 2021 and 2022 with massive whānau days plus a host of events across the month of Matariki, this year the Village in its entirety is set to be the focal point of celebrations in Tauranga Moana," says an Incubator Creative Hub spokesperson.

"The 2023 Matariki at the Village celebrations will host more than 20 events."

These include four art exhibitions including Tupuānuku Exhibition - Briar York and Louis Mikaere, and Te Mana O Te Taiao – a group exhibition with Department of Conservation looking at perceptions of conservation in Aotearoa.

There will also be live music, a Māori cinematic showcase, free community events including a community concert, and workshops.

Matariki celebrations in the Tauranga Historic Village. Photo: Supplied.

"There are opportunities for anyone to learn new skills such as haka, bone carving, storytelling through tukutuku, an introduction to planting by maramataka, how to make Rongoa balms, through to crafting and more."

One of the highlights of the Matariki at the Village calendar will be the official launch event on June 17 where the village will come alive from 9am until 2pm with a Whānau Day.

The Whānau Day will feature food, market stallholders and festival vibe like no other.

‘We were overwhelmed with the response to our 2022 celebrations," says Incubator Creative Hub Director, Simone Anderson.

'The size of the crowds and the level of interest and engagement was beyond our expectations and was fitting way to celebrate our country embracing and celebrating Matariki as a recognised significant month to celebrate, learn and reflect on the principles of Matariki.”

'It was so well received that we expanded the event to include the entire Historic Village," says The Incubator's Matariki Manager Marama Mateparae (Ngati Tuwharetoa).

"Casual chats turned into formal discussions and now The Historic Village in ready to be host to an expanded line up.”

The Incubator. Photo: Supplied.

The Historic Village Tenants Manager Michelle Smith, (Ngāpuhi), is very excited about having as many of the village businesses and community organisations as possible embracing this annual occasion.

"Like any number of New Zealanders, we have taken some time to understand and appreciate Matariki.

"But the enthusiasm and passion is there and we will be ready to host what will be a wonderful experience for us as host and for all our manuhiri this year.

'This is the biggest and best programme anywhere in Tauranga Moana. This will be the home of Matariki 2023,” says Michelle.

The Matariki programme includes showcasing of The Village Cinema Matariki Film Festival over the month-long celebrations, in the Village Cinema.

Paula Whetu Jones. Photo: Supplied.

The film festival features a range of short films, music videos, documentaries and guest speakers by Māori filmmakers including a screening of Whina with director Paula Whetu Jones who is here for a Q & A session. THere is also Whetu Marama – Bright Star with guest appearance by celestial navigator Jack Thatcher.

"A returning event is the Maumahara – remembrance tributes aligned with the star Pōhutukawa where there is an opportunity for members of the community to share photographs and details of their loved ones who have died in the past year, to be shared on The Village Cinema big screen."

"This last event was one of the most impactful last year, with images of beautiful images on the screen, accompanied by Joel Komene performing with taonga pūoro, bringing many to tears."

To include an image of your loved one in this tribute, send name and a photograph to support@theincubator.co.nz

Twinkling in the winter sky just before dawn, Matariki (the Pleiades) signals the Māori New Year. For Māori, the appearance of Matariki heralds a time of remembrance, joy and peace. It is a time for communities to come together and celebrate.

To learn more go to www.theincubator.co.nz