Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, February 5, 2024
Waitangi Day marks the anniversary of the signing of Aotearoa’s founding document, and for many, it is not just a public holiday, but a time to gather, reflect and learn, as well as spend time with loved ones and family.
This year, Waitangi Day falls on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, which deprives the luxury of a long weekend off. But for many, it is still a welcome break and a perfect reason to head out and make memories.
For everyone in and around Hamilton who wants to plan a day which is memorable and all-weather proof, Hamilton Museum might just have the perfect itinerary for the day.
Experience the power of creativity
Live music, craft workshops and a public korero (talk) by artists Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole will be part of the family-friendly activities at Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato on Tuesday 6 February 2024 to mark Waitangi Day and the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The events are linked by the theme ‘Haerenga ki Harikoa- Journey to Joy’ which celebrates the transformative power of creativity.
“Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato is a proud bicultural organisation. Waitangi Day provides another opportunity for important conversations about our shared history and the potential of Aotearoa New Zealand’s future. We strive to meet our responsibilities of partnership under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and acknowledge this is an on-going journey,” said Liz Cotton, Director of Museum and Arts, Waikato Museum.
“Lissy and Rudi are the headline act for our Waitangi Day festival. Their spectacular ‘Wharenui Harikoa- House of Joy’ has drawn thousands of visitors to the Museum this summer and the years-long story behind its creation is just as impactful as the crocheted structure itself. We are so proud to have been the first venue in Aotearoa New Zealand to present Lissy and Rudi’s completed work and be a part of their tribute to the healing power of art. A heartfelt note of thanks to Hamilton City Council’s Partnerships, Communication and Māori team for their support of this vibrant Waitangi Day programme.”
Something for everyone
The day begins with a collaborative craft session using wool to make pompoms and whetū (star shapes), as many of the staff at Waikato Museum have been learning to crochet since the arrival of Wharenui Harikoa. All materials are supplied free of charge to visitors.
Heralded at arts festivals around the motu, Rutene Spooner is bringing his song-filled show ‘Pīpī Paopao,’ which is recommended for preschool children and their whanau. The performance begins at 12.30 pm and is free to attend.
Bringing more interactive creativity, artist Wikitoria Tahukaraina-Simon will lead a free workshop at 2 pm, getting hands-on with uku (clay) to create small objects which attendees can take home with them.
From 3 pm, live music will fill the galleries with free performances by local musicians Tīpene Clarke, Kahurangi Heta, and Adam Whauwhau.
Visitors will also be able to immerse themselves in Te Ao Māori (the Māori world view) by enjoying the Museum’s permanent displays including the majestic Te Winika, a 200-year-old carved waka tauā (war canoe), and exhibitions such as Toi Koru: Sandy Adsett, a career-spanning retrospective of paintings by Dr Sandy Adsett developed and toured by Pātaka Art + Museum, and Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award, on tour from the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata, which showcases emerging Māori artists.
Waikato Museum is open daily 10 am to 5 pm including on the Waitangi Day public holiday, Tuesday 6 February 2024. Entry is free and all activities on Waitangi Day are free, except the public talk by Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole (tickets $25+booking fees) and the standard entry costs for Exscite, the Museum’s interactive centre for discovery.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
