What is Matariki? Inside The Poi Room's 2026 Exhibition - Matariki Herenga Waka
Matariki is the star cluster also known as Pleiades, that rises on the northeastern horizon of Aotearoa New Zealand in mid-winter. Matariki is also known as the Māori New Year, te Mātahi o te Tau, and is celebrated with a holiday which changes each year according to the lunar calendar.
This special event in Aotearoa is a time to come together, share kai, to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present, and set intentions for the year ahead.
In 2026, The Poi Room is celebrating Matariki with a group exhibition that brings the Matariki spirit to life through contemporary Māori art.
So What is Matariki All About?
At its heart, Matariki is about gathering. It is about looking up at the same stars our tīpuna looked to, and finding meaning in that shared gaze. The nine stars of the Matariki cluster each carry their own significance connecting to remembrance, wellbeing, nourishment and nature.
When Matariki rises, it is an invitation to come together with whānau, with community, with the shared stories that carry us forward.
That spirit of gathering together is exactly what the 2026 Matariki exhibition at The Poi Room is built around.
Alex Sands, Pounamu Hei Tiki representing stars in the Matariki Cluster
Matariki 2026: Herenga Waka
The 2026 Matariki theme is
Matariki Herenga Waka ~ The mooring place of many canoes.
The theme speaks to convergence: the coming together of people, stories, and creative practices in a shared space. A 'herenga waka' is a place of arrival, of rest, of connection. A place where different journeys meet, on common ground.
This year, The Poi Room becomes that place.
Mat Scott, carved Tūī feather, Swamp Kauri
The Exhibition - A Collective Constellation
Matariki Herenga Waka: A Gathering of Many Voices runs from 2 - 12 July 2026 at 17 Osborne Street, Newmarket, Auckland.
The exhibition positions The Poi Room as a contemporary herenga waka, a gathering place where Māori artists come together to share whakaaro (thoughts and ideas), whakapapa (genealogy and connection), and lived experience through their art.
Six artists, each from distinct iwi and rohe, contribute to what becomes a collective constellation of works. Like the stars of the Matariki cluster itself, each voice is distinct and yet deeply interconnected.
Anna Gedson, large Waka and whetū crafted from timber, aluminium and copper.
Meet the exhibiting artists
Alex Sands (Ngāti Kahungunu o Te Wairoa)
Sands Carving Studio is based within the Waikato District. Collectively, the team brings to life the finest creations of traditional Māori designs and contemporary artistic works.
For this exhibition, Alex has carved nine Hei Tiki, each presented on a bespoke display stand. The Tiki represent the nine stars of Matariki:
Matariki, Tupuārangi, Waipuna-ā-Rangi, Waitī, Tupuānuku, Ururangi, Waitā, Pōhutukawa, Hiwa-i-te-Rangi
Anna Gedson (Whakatohea & Ngāti Rua)
Anna Gedson is an Ōpōtiki-based (Bay of Plenty) artist, who works from her home studio. Deeply inspired by her Māori heritage, Anna's inspiration comes from the weaving skills of her Tīpuna. Her waka inspiration comes from the view of Whakaari / White Island, which she can see from her studio.
Anna has crafted two large waka for Matariki Herenga Waka, with whetū to guide their way.
Joanne Barrett (Ngāi Tahu, Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe)
Joanne lives in Northland where she writes and paints full-time from her home studio in Hokianga. Drawing inspiration from her relationship with te whenua o Aotearoa, she uses a technique where base layers of paint and mixed media are carved, forming textured lines to denote whakapapa and generations of growth.
Mat Scott (Ngāti Whakaue & Ngāti Raukawa)
Mat Scott comes from an intergenerational family of Designers & Artists; Mat's creative work reflects his connection to his whānau, as well as being an interpretation of the environment in which surrounds him.
A prolific maker, Mat's large-scale feathers, leaves and branches carved from rescued native timber or sculpted from recycled metal are in high demand with customers at The Poi Room.
Medina Koni (Ngāpuhi Nui Tonu)
Medina first learned tradition of raranga alongside her kuia. She describes her eventual return to weaving as a spiritual pull — he karanga wairua — a commitment rekindled by the memory of learning under her grandmothers' guidance. Her work is a continuation of that intergenerational knowledge. Her practice reflects a deep respect for whakapapa (genealogy/heritage), materials, and process, keeping tradition alive through contemporary hands.
Ra Gossage (Ngāti Wai & Ngāti Ruanui)
Ra Gossage's paintings are a reflection of her heritage, culture & environment. Ra's works reflect her learnings and love for kōwhaiwhai, she ultimately aims to promote the beauty &and importance of this treasured Māori artform.
Together these artists represent a breadth of whakapapa, perspective, and practice brought into conversation through the shared kaupapa of Matariki.
Ra Gossage, Kōwhaiwhai panels
Join us for the opening event
Come and discover this wonderful collection of works at our opening event:
Thursday, 02 July, 2026 from 5:30 - 7:30pm
at The Poi Room, 17 Osborne Street, Newmarket
Bring a friend to enjoy kōrero and refreshments, and to meet participating artists.
Stay up to date with exhibition details when you join our Poi Club - it's free to subscribe.
