As part of this year’s Matariki celebrations, Exhibition Experience Developer Dan Parke talks about creative storytelling in the Mānawatia a Matariki exhibition space on Rongomaraeroa, the marae here at Te Papa. This piece originally appeared in The Post on Wednesday 12 June.
Tēnā koutou katoa.
Nō Airangi, nō Ingarangi, nō Ētonia ōku tūpuna.
I tipu ake au ki Hauraki.
Ināianei, e noho ana ahau ki Pito-one.
He Kaihanga Whakaaturanga-ā-Whēako tōku tūranga mahi ki Te Papa.
Ko Dan Parke tōku ingoa.
Ngā mihi o te tau hou.
The role of Exhibition Experience Developer at Te Papa focuses on the creative storytelling in exhibitions, and how our manuhiri move through and experience those spaces.
One of the first experiences I worked on was the original Mānawatia a Matariki | Celebrate Our New Year experience which opened in 2022, coinciding with the first official Matariki public holiday in Aotearoa. We worked closely with Mr Matariki himself, Professor Rangi Mātāmua, who is so generous with his knowledge, and hātakēhi to boot. That’s a definite privilege and highlight of this mahi – collaborating with so many interesting people and renowned experts.
2024 is the third year we have shared the Mānawatia a Matariki | Celebrate Our New Year experience with our manuhiri. This year’s iteration has found a home on Rongomaraeroa – Te Papa’s marae – and has been transformed to a mobile format so it can be whisked off the floor when needed.
The new elements suit the brightly lit space and it’s especially stunning in the morning with sun streaming in through the Ranginui doors.
While the experience continues to evolve, it remains focused on the essential principles of Matariki.
Maumaharatia | remembrance
Acknowledgement of those who have passed is linked to the star Pōhutukawa. As the eldest child of Matariki, Pōhutukawa has the responsibility of guiding the spirits in their journey to become stars. At predawn hautapu ceremonies, participants might call out the names of those who have departed.
We wanted to create a moment like this for manuhiri within Mānawatia a Matariki | Celebrate Our New Year. Manuhiri are invited to take a moment to remember loved ones they have lost while listening to a beautiful waiata tangi written and sung by members of the Ropata whānau of Ngāti Toa Rangatira.
Mānawatia | celebration
Winter is traditionally the time when the mahi of the harvests from the year are enjoyed. With the short, cold days of Takurua limiting outdoor work, people gathered for Matariki to relax and feast in celebration.
Our challenge for Mānawatia a Matariki | Celebrate Our New Year, was to convey a sense of celebration, while helping manuhiri understand what Matariki represents and its connection to hauora, the environment and how this can be acknowledged. The contemporary interpretation is expansive: get together with your whānau and friends, enjoy kai together and do your favourite activities.
This year we dialled up the celebratory vibe. There’s music playing in the comfy chill zone where manuhiri can connect and relax, card games and colouring for those who enjoy an activity, and kiosks with digital content about Matariki.
Manakotia | hope
Hiwa-i-te-rangi, the youngest child of Matariki is often characterised as the wishing star. But beware of parallels that could be drawn to new year resolutions! Hiwa will not magically gift you with the ability to run 10km. Instead, we can think of her as a witness to our aspirations for our people and our environment.
For our 2024 iteration, we bring back the powerful intention-setting experience in which manuhiri are invited to write and display their pledge to their whānau, community or environment.
Matariki is marked by grieving, by celebration and connection, and by looking with hope to the future – all essential to wellbeing. No other public holiday advocates for us to stop and take time out so clearly, and I really think that’s worth celebrating. This Matariki, come to Rongomaraeroa to celebrate Matariki in the hub – Mānawatia a Matariki!
