Things to do  |  17 Jun 2024

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Check out new commissioned artworks, take home a free tree, and soak in the city sights illuminated by Tīrama Mai this Puaka-Matariki.

Christchurch City Council Manager of Events and Arts Lucy Blackmore says the annual event, which celebrates Puaka and Matariki through art and light installations, projections, music soundscapes and storytelling is always evolving with new commissioned works.

“An installation of Papatūānuku, titled MOTHER, will stand four metres high and two metres wide, featuring a stunning design by Xoë Hall (Kāi Tahu), lit up from inside,” Ms Blackmore says.

“Hall has developed a strong following for her unique, bold and large-scale mural works.”

The installation will be in the North Quad of Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Art Centre, a key location for Tīrama Mai, which runs from Friday 21 June to Sunday 30 June, 5–10pm.

Tīrama Mai is on display from 21 - 30 June

“We’ve also partnered with Trees for Canterbury to give away 2000 small native trees over the festival. Planting a new tree in your backyard is a great way to celebrate the time of renewal that Te Tau Hou (the Māori New Year) brings, and we encourage people to take up this opportunity.”

On select nights, the giveaway will be based in front of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, in a shipping container creatively painted by local artist ILLUMINATI. More details, including giveaway dates and upcoming community planting events, can be found at What’s On.

Te Pae is close to 10 installations, including new lightbox artworks, a new projection animation by Ariki Creative on the old Harley Chambers building, and a reimagining of the yellow wayfinding tower on the corner of Worcester Boulevard and Oxford Terrace.

The recommended start points for the trail are Riverside Market, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Art Centre, or Te Pae, but for those wanting to take a plant home at the end of the night, Te Pae is an ideal spot to wind up, Ms Blackmore says.

“Other giveaways during the festival include light-up yo-yos from our sponsor, Orion, for the young and young of heart, and a free sausage sizzle run by The Hits FM,” Ms Blackmore says.

Check out What’s On for all the details on Tīrama Mai, including the event site map and locations and times for giveaways and the storytelling and performance sessions.