Don’t miss Te Wā o Puanga showcase at Ōtaki Library this July

Ōtaki Library is proudly hosting an exhibition featuring toi (artwork) by first and second year tauira (students) and kaiako (teachers) from Te Wānanga o Raukawa. The exhibition, titled Te Wā o Puanga, showcases the exceptional weaving and carving made in the Te Whare Pora and Toi Whakairo courses.

This exhibition is both a celebration of learning journeys and an expression of honour for the traditions that continue to shape us.

This exhibition celebrates Puanga — the star known to many as Rigel, who rises in the winter sky and signals Te Mātahi o te Tau, the Māori New Year. For iwi of the West Coast, Puanga holds special importance. In these regions, Matariki can often be obscured by mountain ranges, and it is Puanga who becomes the visible tohu (sign) to mark this sacred time. 

To complement Te Wā o Puanga and the beautiful mahi toi, there is a video recording capturing the kōrero shared by local iwi historian, the late Te Waari Carkeek; whose insights into the traditions and regional knowledge, provides depth to Matariki and Puanga at this significant time for Māori. 

This is the second year Ōtaki Library has hosted Te Wā o Puanga exhibition. The works will be on display in the Ngā Wawata Community Art Space until Sunday 3 August.

Find out more about these courses here: Te Wānanga o Raukawa.

E mihi ana ki a Ariana me te whānau Carkeek, ōtira Te Papa Tongarewa.