Te Haerenga – The Journey

Te Haerenga - The Journey

19 June 2014

Discover how the first people came to Aotearoa/New Zealand and learn about Matariki in a new Taupo Museum exhibition. Matariki is a time to remember those who have gone before, acknowledges their origins and how they came to these shores.

The exhibition, Te Haerenga - The Journey, celebrates all aspects of the Maori New Year but has a special focus on the establishment of Maori culture. The exceptional navigational skills required to discover and settle Aotearoa/New Zealand are explained through interactive displays.

This year the exhibition will also feature a traditional hangi prepared by Tom Loughlin to celebrate the opening on Friday, June 27. Visitors to the museum can see the hangi process throughout the day, behind the museum near the bowling club. The community is encouraged to get tickets for the hangi, which will be served on Friday night at 6pm after the exhibition is officially opened with a blessing at 5.30pm. Tickets are $15 and will be presold at the museum and funds raised will go to the rearticulation of the museum's moa.

Last year over 1000 local school children visited the Matariki exhibition and bookings are already coming in for this year. The exhibition opens to the public on June 28 and runs until August 12. Taupo Museum is open seven days from 10am to 4.30pm. Entry is free to children and Taupo District residents with proof of address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council