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“Ko Matariki te whetu hei arataki e – Let Matariki guide the way”  – Tuini Ngawai

Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival is proud to celebrate the season of Matariki with the triumphant return of Te Ara i Whiti.

Te Ara i Whiti is an interactive visual arts experience primarily composed of illuminated installations and sculptural works that celebrate contemporary Māori design and connections to place. In 2022 we are proud to welcome back Melanie Tangaere Baldwin as Guest Curator with collaboration and support from globally acclaimed artist, Angus Muir.

Now in its fourth year, Te Ara i Whiti has grown significantly in scale and intent, with a diverse range of artistic disciplines and styles breathing life into sculptural wonder and play. This installation celebrates our regional connection to light and the creative abundance of Te Tairāwhiti.

As the winter nights grow darker, our artists illuminate the banks of the Taruheru once more with surprise and delight for all the whānau.

Bundle up the whānau and come down in the evenings to enjoy live music, kai carts, and exciting art installations!

Exhibiting Artists: Ngaire Tuhua, Randal Leach, Te Naiti Tīhema, Chevron Hassett, Melanie Tangaere Baldwin, Erena Koopu, and Angus Muir