4 Jul 2022

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The Tīrama Mai lighting festival may have wrapped for another year, but the resources created for the festival continue to make an impact.

Christchurch City Council engaged local artists and lighting designers to create a range of graphics, animations and sound recordings centred around the story of Pūanga-Matariki and a Ngāi Tahu creation story. Lighting installations and artworks were on display in the central city from 24 June – 3 July.

Lucy Blackmore, the Council’s Manager of Events and Arts, said the Pūanga-Matariki illustrations have not only captured the attention of visitors to the festival, but many others around the country.

“We’ve been fielding requests to share our beautiful Pūanga-Matariki illustrations from far and wide.”

The Council has shared resources with over 25 schools, libraries, universities and other organisations throughout New Zealand.

The resources include a set of artworks depicting the stars that make up the Matariki cluster and Pūanga (Rigel) with information about what each represents in Te Ao i and the relationship with the maramataka (lunar calendar).

“We worked closely with mana whenua and local artists to develop these artworks and it’s been wonderful to see them being shared beyond Tīrama Mai,” says Ms Blackmore.

Tīrama Mai opened on Friday 24 June, the country’s first Matariki public holiday, drawing thousands into Christchurch’s town centre.

“It has been so exciting seeing the central city buzzing with visitors enjoying the celebrations,” says Ms Blackmore.

“We estimate more than 30,000 people visited Tīrama Mai over Matariki weekend alone. This is only the second year the Council has held the Tīrama Mai festival and we’re in a great position to grow and build on this early success in the years to come.”

“The team are already looking ahead to next year’s Pūanga-Matariki celebrations, planning a new series of lighting installations, displays and performances for the community to enjoy.”

Tīrama Mai will return to celebrate Pūanga-Matariki in 2023.

The Council’s winter events programme continues with KidsFest (9 July – 24 July), the Winter Fireworks Spectacular (9 July) and the Go Live music festival (22-23 July).