- VENUE
MATARIKI FOR
TAMARIKI
Ngā Tamariki o Ngā Mata Ariki
Sean MacDonald
The New Zealand Dance Company (NZDC) presents Matariki for Tamariki, a joyful celebration for tamariki of all ages.
Together, whānau are invited to explore Matariki, the nine whetū of the constellation, and the stories they carry, in a celebration of a season that brings all of Aotearoa together. Created by acclaimed Aotearoa artist and 2023 New Zealand Arts Laureate Sean MacDonald (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa), the show follows a cheeky group of friends travelling across Aotearoa during the Matariki season.
Moving through ngahere, maunga and moana, they encounter the natural world as it shifts and renews on an adventure filled with dance, humour, play and surprise. As the journey unfolds, the nine whetū of Matariki emerge, each with their own role to play. Matariki signals the start of the season, while Tupuānuku and Tupuārangi look after the foods of land and sky. Waitī and Waitā move through freshwater and the sea, Waipunarangi brings the rain, and Ururangi stirs the winds. Pōhutukawa remembers those who have passed, while Hiwa-i-te-Rangi looks ahead to hopes for the year to come.
Blending storytelling, music and dance, Matariki for Tamariki balances high energy with poignant moments to keep tamariki engaged, while offering plenty for parents, caregivers and older audiences to enjoy.
With bold visual design by Rona Ngahuia Osborne and sound by Alistair Deverick, Matariki for Tamariki is a warm that brings people together and leaves the whole whānau feeling connected and ready for the year to come.
For bookings please email [email protected]
"A MATARIKI JOURNEY THROUGH STARS,
SEA, MOUNTAINS AND MOON FOR THE
WHOLE WHĀNAU."
REVIEWS
"...the calibre of dancing and performance is through the roof."
Carrie Rae Cunningham
Theatreview
"Joyous, celebratory and sophisticated."
Carrie Rae Cunningham
Theatreview
"It was crazy AND funny. I liked how it was serious and calm and then would get loud and silly."
9-Year old
Theatreview
“Filling the Bruce Mason Centre with joy, laughter, and intrigue”
Rebekkah Schoonbeek
Up Your Arts
CREATIVE TEAM
Choreographer
Sean MacDonald
Costume & Set Designer
Rona Naghuia Osborne
Sound Designer
Alistair Deverick
Narration
Kimoro Taipei (Tūhoe, Tainui)
Amber Curreen (Ngāpuhi)
Narration & Pao Composition
Tina Kaiawe (Tainui, Ngāti Te Ata, Ngāti Māhanga, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tamaoho)
2022 Performers
Carl Tolentino
Chrissy Kokiri
Ngarae Jenkins
Chris Mills
Toa Paranihi
Kiki Miwa
2020 Performers
Carl Tolentino
Chrissy Kokiri
Eddie Elliott
Elijah Kennar
Katie Rudd
Ngarae Jenkins
2019 Performers
Carl Tolentino
Chrissy Kokiri
Eddie Elliott
Katie Rudd
Ngaere Jenkins
Taniora Motutere
Tāmaki Outreach Programme Project Manager 2019
Noma Sio-Faiumu
Pasifika Ambassador 2019
Raisedinland Iose
Māori Ambassador 2019
Kimoro Taiepa
Korean Community Ambassador 2019
Suh Lee
Chinese Community Ambassador 2019
Yuanyong Yang (YY)
2019 Winter School Participants (Māngere Arts Centre)
Benjamin Maka
Chrysela-Julia Safole
David Maka
Ishita DwivediJasmine Vaine
Keila Kaipo-Unuwai
Kristin Williams
Nevaeh Morynna Ofisa
Te Atarangi Richards
Tienete O'Connor
2019 Winter School Participants (Bruce Mason Centre)
Amy Fox
Caleb Hartnell
Gemma Dowd
Isabella Griffin
Jessica Blake
Joshua Edwards
Lilly Raukawa
Mairano Raukawa
Min Anh Tran
Nicole Aley
Olivia Waters
Samantha Grace
Stella Grace Seawright
Sybella Howard
