Ahurei Matariki Takatāpui Festival
The stars are aligning in time for Matariki. Commonly known as the Māori New Year, Matariki is a time for remembering the past, celebrating the now, and preparing for the future.
For this year's Matariki festival, Whati Te Wake and Borni Te Rongopai Tukiwaho have created Ahurei Matariki Takatāpui, a festival to celebrate Takatāpui culture and identity.
The first event is a panel discussion on Friday evening with marriage equality champion MP Louisa Wall, transgender advocate Ramon Te Wake, and dance icon Taiaroa Royal.
“Strengthening relationships between the rainbow and the Māori communities, and connecting Takatāpui with each other are the focus for the first ever Ahurei Matariki Takatāpui,” says Te Wake.
The other events in the festival are a Wellness Expo on Saturday, and a gala show on the same night.
Co-presented by Ending HIV NZ, the Wellness Expo aims to empower Takatāpui to learn more about their health. It's a market-style event that you can hop from one stall to another. It's a one-stop shop for your wellbeing.
The Gala show is the grand finale to the three-day long festival. Featuring Auckland drag superstar Miss Ribena as MC, the show is all about celebrating Matariki with incredible performances.
If you are new to Matariki or want to connect to a new community, Ahurei Matariki Takatāpui is the place to be this year.
Panel Discussion
Friday 20 July 2018
6pm - 9pm
Te Unga Waka Marae, Epsom
Wellness Expo
Saturday 21 July 2018
9am – 2pm
Te Unga Waka Marae, Epsom
Gala Show
Saturday 21 July 2018
6pm – 9pm
Lot 23, Eden Terrance
