18 June 2025

Tīrama Mai - powered by Orion and Connetics

Tīrama Mai is back this winter to celebrate Puanga Matariki with an array of artistic lighting and cultural displays in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Tīrama Mai start times
Wed 18 June: 4.30pm - 9.30pm
Thurs 19 June to Sunday 22 June: 2.30pm - 9.30pm

The event will span Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū and The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, but works will also be positioned along Worcester Boulevard, and at Riverside Market.  

The free cultural festival, produced by Christchurch City Council brings together an array of artistic, lighting and cultural displays, including performances and storytelling. Talks, short films and more will also feature at the Gallery at set times, and the exhibition spaces will be open for exploring until late.

Come into the city with friends and whānau to discover the trail of illuminated artworks, projections, music soundscapes and interactive installations. Tīrama Mai will feature a combo of all-new works and crowd-pleasers from the last couple of years.

Featuring the artists Areta Wilkinson, Mark Adams, Kommi Tamati-Elliffe, Juanita Hepi, Xoë Hall, Turumeke Harrington, Alix Ashworth, Sam Emerson, James Tapsell-Kururangi, Bea Gladding, Te Wā The Space, Th’Orchard, Ariki Creative, Art Fetiche, Māui Studios and more.

Check out what's on throughout the festival

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū - Main building
Te Whaitua o Rēhia o Tīrama Mai Storytelling and Performances includes the Foyer, Philip Carter Auditorium and Activity Room. We will have a combination of performance, music and DJ’s, short films and talks. 

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū - Forecourt
Interactive: Takohia mai nā e koe ko te tātai whetū –Kommi Tamati-Elliffe me ana haumi.  An interactive sound immersion tunnel.

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū - Carpark
Projection: Dark Sky Project Takapō

Worcester Boulevard - Former Harley Chambers Building
Projection: Sam Emerson and Josh Montgomery aka Drows. Score by Sam Emerson with music from Mokotron

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Great Hall
Projection: Great Hall of Whaea – Xoë Hall, Bea Gladding, Dave Spark

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Maker Workshop
Interactive: Te Wero o Taiaho Laser Maze – Te Whai Ao and Tūhura (Entry off Hereford Street)

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Altiora Canopy
Interactive: Fortnite Marae – Māui Studios

Ravenscar Car Park
Interactive: The Glow Zone Te Whai Ao and Tūhura

Canterbury Museum Pop-Up
Wed 18 June, 9am – 5pm
Thurs 19 June to Sat 21 June, 9am – 9pm
Sun 22 June, 9am – 5pm
Exhibition - He Riri Awatea, Filming the New Zealand Wars

Riverside
Interactive: Te poi me te tapu o te mārama Move To Your Own Beat – NEWCO
Projection: Flare Presents: Hurihanga – Offline Collective led by Sam Emerson
Projection: Flare Presents: Te Tihi o Kahukura – River Jayden

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - The Observatory
10am – 6pm: Art exhibition – Te Waiatatangamai o te Atua The Song of the Gods(external link)

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū - Philip Carter Family Auditorium
6.30pm – 7.30pm: Tīrama Mai Artist Panel Kōrero
Hosted by Juanita Hepi, featuring Xoë Hall, Bea Gladding, Alix Ashworth and Kommi Tamati-Elliffe

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū – Foyer 
8pm – 9.30pm: Musical performance: SUIKA KEIMAI (watermelon siblings) with Riki Gooch Pirihi(external link)

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Lumiere Cinema
8.30pm: Ōtautahi premiere of KŌKĀ(external link)
Offered free of charge on opening night only with small booking fee - bookings essential

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Pūmanawa Gallery
10am – 9.30pm: Interdisciplinary performance installation – IN/DIGITAL SPACES(external link) by Bea Gladding, Janaye Henry, Nicholas Ahu Gartner and protectionspell

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Cloisters Studio
10am – 9.30pm: Dance film projection installation (on loop) – PEPE by Good Arts Company

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - The Observatory
10am – 9.30pm: Art exhibition – Te Waiatatangamai o te Atua The Song of the Gods(external link)

The Physics Room
11am – 9.30pm: Exhibition (films) – Te oorokohanga mai o te tangi o te mooteatea(external link) – Ngamako Rota

The Green Room Gallery
11am – 9pm: Interdisciplinary art exhibition – Koia Koia! Dig Dig! featuring artists Tia Barrett, Zena Elliott, Noel Meek

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Market Square
4.30pm – 9.30pm: Matariki Makete(external link) (market)

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Pūmanawa Gallery
5.30pm: Performance – Te Reo o te Whakataukī e Hīkoi Ana by Josiah Morgan, directed by Bea Gladding
More information can be found on the IN/DIGITAL SPACES(external link) webpage.   

CoCA Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki
5.30pm – 8pm: Exhibition opening - He tuna ora, he wai ora(external link) by Taarn Scott and Hana Pera Aoake

 

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - The Observatory
10am – 6pm: Art exhibition – Te Waiatatangamai o te Atua The Song of the Gods(external link)

CoCA Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki
10am – 8pm: Art exhibition – He tuna ora, he wai ora(external link) by Taarn Scott and Hana Pera Aoake

3pm: Artist Kōrero – Tia Barrett with Taarn Scott & Hana Pera Aoake

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Pūmanawa Gallery
10am – 9.30pm: IN/DIGITAL SPACES(external link) by Bea Gladding, Janaye Henry, Nicholas Ahu Gartner and protectionspell

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Cloisters Studio
10am – 9.30pm: Dance film projection installation (on loop) – PEPE by Good Arts Company

The Green Room Gallery
11am – 3pm: Interdisciplinary art exhibition – Koia Koia! Dig Dig! featuring artists Tia Barrett, Zena Elliott, Noel Meek

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Lumiere Cinemas
2.10pm: Documentary film – PATU!(external link) (1983) 4K Restoration  
Bookings essential – offered free of charge with a small booking fee.

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū - Activity Room
2.30pm – 5pm: Pō Wawata Vision Board Craft Night
Bookings essential – get your free tickets.(external link)

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Market Square
2.30pm – 9.30pm: Matariki Makete(external link) (market)


CoCA Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki
10am – 3pm: Art exhibition He tuna ora, he wai ora(external link) by Taarn Scott and Hana Pera Aoake

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Pūmanawa Gallery
10am – 9.30pm: IN/DIGITAL SPACES(external link) by Bea Gladding, Janaye Henry, Nicholas Ahu Gartner and protectionspell

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Cloisters Studio
10am – 9.30pm: Dance film projection installation (on loop) – PEPE by Good Arts Company

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - The Observatory
10am – 9.30pm: Art exhibition – Te Waiatatangamai o te Atua The Song of the Gods(external link)

The Green Room Gallery
11am – 3pm: Interdisciplinary art exhibition – Koia Koia! Dig Dig! featuring artists Tia Barrett, Zena Elliott, Noel Meek

The Physics Room
11am – 4pm: Exhibition (films) – Te oorokohanga mai o te tangi o te mooteatea(external link) – Ngamako Rota

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Lumiere Cinemas
2.15pm: Documentary film – PATU!(external link) (1983) 4K Restoration  
Bookings essential – offered free of charge with a small booking fee.

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Market Square
2.30pm – 9.30pm: Matariki Makete(external link) (market)

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Lumiere Cinemas
10am: Documentary film: PATU!(external link) (1983) 4K Restoration   
Bookings essential – offered free of charge with a small booking fee.

CoCA Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki
10am – 3pm: Art exhibition – He tuna ora, he wai ora(external link) by Taarn Scott and Hana Pera Aoake

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - The Observatory
10am – 5pm: Art exhibition Te Waiatatangamai o te Atua The Song of the Gods(external link)

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Pūmanawa Gallery
10am – 9.30pm: IN/DIGITAL SPACES(external link) by Bea Gladding, Janaye Henry, Nicholas Ahu Gartner and protectionspell

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Cloisters Studio
10am – 9.30pm: Dance film projection installation (on loop) – PEPE by Good Arts Company

The Green Room Gallery
11am – 3pm: Interdisciplinary art exhibition – Koia Koia! Dig Dig! featuring artists Tia Barrett, Zena Elliott, Noel Meek

The Physics Room
11am – 4pm: Exhibition (films) Te oorokohanga mai o te tangi o te mooteatea(external link) – Ngamako Rota

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Market Square
2.30pm – 9.30pm: Matariki Makete(external link) (market)

 

More info

The appearance of the Matariki star cluster – made up of nine stars(external link) – welcomes in Te Tau Hou, the New Year. Rising in the northeast sky, the star cluster is not always readily visible in all parts of New Zealand.

For those living in Te Waipounamu, the South Island, Puanga is a brighter star in the night sky which rises earlier than Matariki and is often considered to herald the New Year. Some iwi celebrate Puanga rather than Matariki as Te Tau Hou.

The rise of Puanga and Matariki is often acknowledged as being a time of coming together and of reflecting on the past year, on the people who have passed and on whakapapa (genealogy).

Whakapapa sets out the beginning and continuing relationships between everything, past and present. It accounts for the way in which all things have been created: stars, earth, sky, oceans, rivers, elements, minerals, plants, animals and all people.

There are nine covered parking buildings and thousands of on-street parking spaces available in the central city. Most on-street parking is free after 6pm (please check signage), see the carpark map for more information(external link).

For information on bus timetables, please visit MetroInfo.(external link)

 

A huge thanks to our partners and sponsors - Orion, Connetics, Streamliner and Trees for Canterbury.

Free
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Tīrama Mai start times
Wed 18 June: 4.30pm - 9.30pm
Thurs 19 June to Sunday 22 June: 2.30pm - 9.30pm

The event will span Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū and The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, but works will also be positioned along Worcester Boulevard, and at Riverside Market.  

The free cultural festival, produced by Christchurch City Council brings together an array of artistic, lighting and cultural displays, including performances and storytelling. Talks, short films and more will also feature at the Gallery at set times, and the exhibition spaces will be open for exploring until late.

Come into the city with friends and whānau to discover the trail of illuminated artworks, projections, music soundscapes and interactive installations. Tīrama Mai will feature a combo of all-new works and crowd-pleasers from the last couple of years.

Featuring the artists Areta Wilkinson, Mark Adams, Kommi Tamati-Elliffe, Juanita Hepi, Xoë Hall, Turumeke Harrington, Alix Ashworth, Sam Emerson, James Tapsell-Kururangi, Bea Gladding, Te Wā The Space, Th’Orchard, Ariki Creative, Art Fetiche, Māui Studios and more.

Check out what's on throughout the festival

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū - Main building
Te Whaitua o Rēhia o Tīrama Mai Storytelling and Performances includes the Foyer, Philip Carter Auditorium and Activity Room. We will have a combination of performance, music and DJ’s, short films and talks. 

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū - Forecourt
Interactive: Takohia mai nā e koe ko te tātai whetū –Kommi Tamati-Elliffe me ana haumi.  An interactive sound immersion tunnel.

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū - Carpark
Projection: Dark Sky Project Takapō

Worcester Boulevard - Former Harley Chambers Building
Projection: Sam Emerson and Josh Montgomery aka Drows. Score by Sam Emerson with music from Mokotron

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Great Hall
Projection: Great Hall of Whaea – Xoë Hall, Bea Gladding, Dave Spark

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Maker Workshop
Interactive: Te Wero o Taiaho Laser Maze – Te Whai Ao and Tūhura (Entry off Hereford Street)

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Altiora Canopy
Interactive: Fortnite Marae – Māui Studios

Ravenscar Car Park
Interactive: The Glow Zone Te Whai Ao and Tūhura

Canterbury Museum Pop-Up
Wed 18 June, 9am – 5pm
Thurs 19 June to Sat 21 June, 9am – 9pm
Sun 22 June, 9am – 5pm
Exhibition - He Riri Awatea, Filming the New Zealand Wars

Riverside
Interactive: Te poi me te tapu o te mārama Move To Your Own Beat – NEWCO
Projection: Flare Presents: Hurihanga – Offline Collective led by Sam Emerson
Projection: Flare Presents: Te Tihi o Kahukura – River Jayden

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - The Observatory
10am – 6pm: Art exhibition – Te Waiatatangamai o te Atua The Song of the Gods(external link)

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū - Philip Carter Family Auditorium
6.30pm – 7.30pm: Tīrama Mai Artist Panel Kōrero
Hosted by Juanita Hepi, featuring Xoë Hall, Bea Gladding, Alix Ashworth and Kommi Tamati-Elliffe

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū – Foyer 
8pm – 9.30pm: Musical performance: SUIKA KEIMAI (watermelon siblings) with Riki Gooch Pirihi(external link)

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Lumiere Cinema
8.30pm: Ōtautahi premiere of KŌKĀ(external link)
Offered free of charge on opening night only with small booking fee - bookings essential

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Pūmanawa Gallery
10am – 9.30pm: Interdisciplinary performance installation – IN/DIGITAL SPACES(external link) by Bea Gladding, Janaye Henry, Nicholas Ahu Gartner and protectionspell

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Cloisters Studio
10am – 9.30pm: Dance film projection installation (on loop) – PEPE by Good Arts Company

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - The Observatory
10am – 9.30pm: Art exhibition – Te Waiatatangamai o te Atua The Song of the Gods(external link)

The Physics Room
11am – 9.30pm: Exhibition (films) – Te oorokohanga mai o te tangi o te mooteatea(external link) – Ngamako Rota

The Green Room Gallery
11am – 9pm: Interdisciplinary art exhibition – Koia Koia! Dig Dig! featuring artists Tia Barrett, Zena Elliott, Noel Meek

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Market Square
4.30pm – 9.30pm: Matariki Makete(external link) (market)

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Pūmanawa Gallery
5.30pm: Performance – Te Reo o te Whakataukī e Hīkoi Ana by Josiah Morgan, directed by Bea Gladding
More information can be found on the IN/DIGITAL SPACES(external link) webpage.   

CoCA Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki
5.30pm – 8pm: Exhibition opening - He tuna ora, he wai ora(external link) by Taarn Scott and Hana Pera Aoake

 

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - The Observatory
10am – 6pm: Art exhibition – Te Waiatatangamai o te Atua The Song of the Gods(external link)

CoCA Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki
10am – 8pm: Art exhibition – He tuna ora, he wai ora(external link) by Taarn Scott and Hana Pera Aoake

3pm: Artist Kōrero – Tia Barrett with Taarn Scott & Hana Pera Aoake

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Pūmanawa Gallery
10am – 9.30pm: IN/DIGITAL SPACES(external link) by Bea Gladding, Janaye Henry, Nicholas Ahu Gartner and protectionspell

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Cloisters Studio
10am – 9.30pm: Dance film projection installation (on loop) – PEPE by Good Arts Company

The Green Room Gallery
11am – 3pm: Interdisciplinary art exhibition – Koia Koia! Dig Dig! featuring artists Tia Barrett, Zena Elliott, Noel Meek

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Lumiere Cinemas
2.10pm: Documentary film – PATU!(external link) (1983) 4K Restoration  
Bookings essential – offered free of charge with a small booking fee.

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū - Activity Room
2.30pm – 5pm: Pō Wawata Vision Board Craft Night
Bookings essential – get your free tickets.(external link)

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Market Square
2.30pm – 9.30pm: Matariki Makete(external link) (market)


CoCA Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki
10am – 3pm: Art exhibition He tuna ora, he wai ora(external link) by Taarn Scott and Hana Pera Aoake

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Pūmanawa Gallery
10am – 9.30pm: IN/DIGITAL SPACES(external link) by Bea Gladding, Janaye Henry, Nicholas Ahu Gartner and protectionspell

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Cloisters Studio
10am – 9.30pm: Dance film projection installation (on loop) – PEPE by Good Arts Company

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - The Observatory
10am – 9.30pm: Art exhibition – Te Waiatatangamai o te Atua The Song of the Gods(external link)

The Green Room Gallery
11am – 3pm: Interdisciplinary art exhibition – Koia Koia! Dig Dig! featuring artists Tia Barrett, Zena Elliott, Noel Meek

The Physics Room
11am – 4pm: Exhibition (films) – Te oorokohanga mai o te tangi o te mooteatea(external link) – Ngamako Rota

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Lumiere Cinemas
2.15pm: Documentary film – PATU!(external link) (1983) 4K Restoration  
Bookings essential – offered free of charge with a small booking fee.

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Market Square
2.30pm – 9.30pm: Matariki Makete(external link) (market)

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Lumiere Cinemas
10am: Documentary film: PATU!(external link) (1983) 4K Restoration   
Bookings essential – offered free of charge with a small booking fee.

CoCA Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki
10am – 3pm: Art exhibition – He tuna ora, he wai ora(external link) by Taarn Scott and Hana Pera Aoake

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - The Observatory
10am – 5pm: Art exhibition Te Waiatatangamai o te Atua The Song of the Gods(external link)

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Pūmanawa Gallery
10am – 9.30pm: IN/DIGITAL SPACES(external link) by Bea Gladding, Janaye Henry, Nicholas Ahu Gartner and protectionspell

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Cloisters Studio
10am – 9.30pm: Dance film projection installation (on loop) – PEPE by Good Arts Company

The Green Room Gallery
11am – 3pm: Interdisciplinary art exhibition – Koia Koia! Dig Dig! featuring artists Tia Barrett, Zena Elliott, Noel Meek

The Physics Room
11am – 4pm: Exhibition (films) Te oorokohanga mai o te tangi o te mooteatea(external link) – Ngamako Rota

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Market Square
2.30pm – 9.30pm: Matariki Makete(external link) (market)

 

More info

The appearance of the Matariki star cluster – made up of nine stars(external link) – welcomes in Te Tau Hou, the New Year. Rising in the northeast sky, the star cluster is not always readily visible in all parts of New Zealand.

For those living in Te Waipounamu, the South Island, Puanga is a brighter star in the night sky which rises earlier than Matariki and is often considered to herald the New Year. Some iwi celebrate Puanga rather than Matariki as Te Tau Hou.

The rise of Puanga and Matariki is often acknowledged as being a time of coming together and of reflecting on the past year, on the people who have passed and on whakapapa (genealogy).

Whakapapa sets out the beginning and continuing relationships between everything, past and present. It accounts for the way in which all things have been created: stars, earth, sky, oceans, rivers, elements, minerals, plants, animals and all people.

There are nine covered parking buildings and thousands of on-street parking spaces available in the central city. Most on-street parking is free after 6pm (please check signage), see the carpark map for more information(external link).

For information on bus timetables, please visit MetroInfo.(external link)

 

A huge thanks to our partners and sponsors - Orion, Connetics, Streamliner and Trees for Canterbury.

Location
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū and The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, Worcester Boulevard , Christchurch Central

Other events you may be interested in

Matariki 2025: Pōhutukawa

Matariki 2025: Pepe

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