Like Matariki rising in the night sky, the faces of those who have died over the past year will shine on the walls of Otago Museum tomorrow morning.
It is one of many Matariki celebration events happening around the southern region during the public holiday.
Dunedin’s annual Matariki Ahuka Nui dawn ceremony is a collaboration between mana whenua and the Dunedin City Council, and over the past month, the city’s residents have been sending images of friends and family who had died since June last year.
From 6.45am, they will be shared as part of a giant digital artwork which will be projected on to the outside of the museum as karakia are given.
Dunedin City Council Māori partnerships and policy general manager Jeanette Wikaira said Matariki Ahuka Nui had become an important event on the city’s calendar.
"It’s a special time to come together, to collectively pause and reflect on all that Matariki holds for us as individuals and as a community."
Dunedin’s other major Matariki event — Mana Moana — will be held at the Steamer Basin, between 5.30pm and 8.30pm tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday.
The repeating 45-minute show will offer a mix of new films by local, national and international indigenous artists, projected on to a water screen in Otago Harbour.
A food night market is also planned alongside the established eateries in the area.
Celebrations in Invercargill include Experience Matariki, at ILT Stadium Southland today, showcasing the history behind the date, as well as the inaugural Ngā Whetū Katoa Maori and Pasefika Matariki Wearable Arts Fashion Show at Corinthian Centre.
Murihiku Marae will hold a breakfast early tomorrow, and the Matariki at Queens Park art installation and entertainment will run at 6pm for the next five days.
Queenstown will host a Matariki star viewing at the top of Greengates chair, Coronet Peak, at 6.15am tomorrow with kaumatua Darren Rewi and astrophysicist Prof Brian Boyle.
From 4pm, the Matariki Arrowtown Lights return for the second year, which include kai and fire pits, a karakia, waiata and kapa haka performances.
Outside the Lakes District Museum, Prof Boyle will again talk about Otago’s night sky, while the South Island Light Orchestra illuminates Buckingham St.
