Huihui Whetū showcases an artistic and graphic interpretation of the stars that play an important role in te ao Māori. Featuring spectacular imagery by Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Manu) and curated by the Creative Director of Matariki ki te Manawa, Ataahua Papa (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Ngāti Mahuta), this artwork invites Aucklanders to pause, look up and connect with the upper realm.
Starlore is an integral part of te ao Māori. For generations, Māori have looked to the stars and the night sky for clues about what is to come. Ancestors used the stars and other natural elements to navigate waka across the vast Pacific Ocean, while the night sky helped guide seasonal knowledge and changing weather patterns.
Ataahua Papa, says Huihui Whetū is accessible to everyone, giving people an opportunity to connect with these enduring stories in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau.
“Matariki is a time to pause, reflect and look to the skies. Huihui Whetū encourages people to reconnect with the whetū and the mātauranga they hold, creating a moment of connection in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau.”
“Public spaces can also be places for reflection. We hope Huihui Whetū creates a quiet moment where people can connect with the stories of the whetū, the whenua and the rich histories of Tāmaki Makaurau.”
Graham Tipene says, “This project gives depth to the attributes of each star within the Matariki cluster. Also included in the series are works that depict other stars seen throughout the year, including Tautoru, Mahutonga, Puanga and Te Matau a Māui – all very important in the worlds of navigation and starlore.”
Projected nightly from approximately 30 minutes before sunset until midnight, until 25 September, Huihui Whetū complements the wider cultural narrative of Te Waihorotiu Station, building on Graham Tipene’s artistic contribution to the station’s Māori design and storytelling.
Director of Auckland Live, Daniel Clarke says, “This project is about making the most of a unique opportunity. By turning Te Waihorotiu Station southern façade into a temporary canvas, we’re creating another way for people to encounter art and culture as they move through the city.”
Delivered in collaboration between Auckland Live, Auckland Council’s Auckland Urban Development Office (AUDO) and Auckland Transport, the initiative supports the transitional activation of the future development site beside Te Waihorotiu Station while creating a new temporary public art experience for the city centre.
Te Waihorotiu Station, part of Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL), is located in the heart of Auckland’s midtown and is due to open later this year.
For more information, visit Huihui Whetū | Matariki ki te Manawa:
Huihui Whetū
Location: External façade of Te Waihorotiu Station, facing the Herald Theatre
Dates: From Wednesday, 8 July until Friday, 25 September 2026
Times: Nightly from approximately 30 minutes before sunset until midnight
Cost: Free
Huihui Whetū is part of Auckland Live’s Matariki ki te Manawa programme within Auckland Council Events’ Matariki Festival 2026.
About Auckland Live
Auckland Live is the premier organisation for performing arts, culture, entertainment and events in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, presenting a vibrant and diverse programme of live arts and experiences across Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest network of iconic venues and public spaces, including the Aotea Centre, The Civic, Auckland Town Hall, Viaduct Events Centre, Bruce Mason Centre, Aotea Square, The Cloud, Shed 10, Queens Wharf, Te Komititanga and locations throughout the city centre; as part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, a council-controlled organisation, Auckland Live champions creativity, supports artists and communities, and helps shape Auckland as a dynamic, inclusive and globally connected cultural destination.
About Ngāti Tamaoho
Ngāti Tamaoho are of Te Waiohua and Waikato descent, located between Te Mānukanuka o Hoturoa (Manukau Harbour), Āwhitu and Te Pūaha O Waikato (the lower Waikato River). Ngāti Tamaoho are proud to be Iwi manaaki bringing Matariki alongside Auckland Council Events for everyone to celebrate.
About Auckland Council Events
Auckland Council Events are events supported by the Auckland Council Group, including local boards and council-controlled organisations, recognising events supported by Auckland ratepayer funding. This support can include investment, delivery or promotion of events, to bring our communities together, celebrate Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s identity and deliver social and economic benefits.