Thursday 5 June 2025
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is delighted to announce the return of Reuben Paterson’s (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāi Tūhoe, Tūhourangi) dazzling sculpture Guide Kaiārahi to its forecourt on 20 June 2025.
Composed of hundreds of shimmering crystals, Guide Kaiārahi is a ten-metre-high waka that rises vertically from the Gallery’s forecourt pool. It was commissioned by the Gallery and the Edmiston Trust in 2021 and was temporarily removed for protection during the Gallery’s Kia Whakahou, Kia Whakaora Heritage Restoration Project in 2023.
Drawing on Māori cosmology and creation narratives, Guide Kaiārahi invites viewers to imagine a celestial waka that guides us through time and space, linking past, present and future. The sculpture journeys from Papatūānuku into the embrace of Ranginui, casting a galaxy of stars over the Gallery pool.
Brett Graham’s (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Tainui) Wastelands, 2024, will also be on display from 20 June. The sculpture was commissioned for the world’s leading exhibition of contemporary art, the International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia 2024 and was recently acquired by Auckland Art Gallery.
Wastelands explores themes of colonial history, ecological concerns, and the ongoing relationship between Māori communities and the land – especially those stories rooted in his rohe of Waikato. The work challenges historical narratives, offering perspectives on cultural identity, environmental stewardship, and the enduring impact of colonial-era policies.
“We are thrilled to welcome Guide Kaiārahi back to the Gallery and present Wastelands as we prepare to celebrate Matariki,” says Joe Pihema Poumatua (Gallery Head of Kaupapa Māori). “The display of these works aligns with an exciting line-up of events we have planned for Matariki including art-making workshops inspired by the waters of Aotearoa, a new performance by Taane Mete and guided tours.”
On Friday 20 June 10am–5pm, celebrate Matariki ki te Wai—the Matariki Festival 2025 theme—with a free whānau-friendly day of activities at the Gallery’s Matariki Ahunga Nui. Enjoy performances, art-making workshops inspired by the waters of Aotearoa, and guided tours and talks focusing on Māori art. Share your moemoeā (dreams and aspirations), help weave a tukutuku panel and savour a traditional boil-up and fried bread from the Gallery café. Create a kete or a sculptural form guided by ringatoi Tonina Ngātai. In the shop, join the Gallery's Retail Operations Manager, Emma Pritchard in kōrero with local makers Helen Paul-Smith from ŌKU New Zealand and Cautney & Raiha from Raiha Rongoā. Try healing teas using native plants such as kawakawa and kūmarahou and learn how the makers weave mātauranga Māori into their business practice.
Don’t miss HĪKOI, a new performance by Taane Mete. Inspired by the star Tupuārangi and the peaceful protest hīkoi of November 2024, this work intertwines the nine stars of Matariki with the nine-day march, symbolising solidarity and the cosmic relationships between atua (gods), people, place, space, time and purpose. HĪKOI is proudly supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate. Performances will take place on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 June at 12–12.45pm and 2–2.45pm.
Key details
Brett Graham: Wastelands
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
On display from 20 June
Reuben Paterson: Guide Kaiārahi
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
On display from 20 June
Matariki Ahunga Nui
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
20 June 10am–5pm
HĪKOI – A Taane Mete Performance
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
20 June and 21 June 12-12.45pm and 2-2.45pm