Mata Ali’i is Samoan for Matariki, the star cluster that can be witnessed from and celebrated in the Pacific. Stars were integral in the migration voyages that brought the first Māori to Aotearoa. Focussing on Pacific voices, the artists were asked to think about what Matariki means to them and to respond to Matariki as migrants and neighbours to Aotearoa, sharing their stories and the stories of their ancestors. As much a reflection on our Pacific and Asian people living in Aotearoa, this is also a commentary on how Pacific people are situated in relation to others in Aotearoa and how Aotearoa is situated within the Pacific.

Curated by Ashleigh Taupaki, each artist has a photograph displayed at a Whau Community Centre:
Charles Cokanasiga –Kelston Community Hub
Devdass Krishnan – Avondale Community Centre
Halleyah Young-Williams – Green Bay Community Centre
Jasmine Tuiā – New Lynn Community Centre
Pamata Toleafoa – Glen Avon Community Hub
Peter Wing – Blockhouse Bay Community Centre

Available to view Sat 19 Jun – Sat 10 Jul 2021