Judge's comments:

A stunning and contemporary approach to celebrating Aotearoa's first ever indigenous led holiday of Matariki which utilised light and sound to tell the narratives of Matariki which reached local and international audiences.
An important acknowledgement to celebrate and acknowledge a significant part of Aotearoa's identity, this project executes its ideas with simplicity that is effective, beautiful, and impactful.

Description:

Maungakiekie is one of the Tūpuna Maunga that hold a paramount place in the historical, spiritual, ancestral and cultural identity of Ngā Mana Whenua ō Tāmaki Makaurau.

To celebrate New Zealand's first ever indigenously led holiday of Matariki, an immersive light and sound installation illuminated the meaning of Matariki in a free nightly show at the Stardome Observatory and Planetarium which sits at the base of the Maunga.

Matariki Lights combines moving pillars of light with waves of sound composition infused with taonga pūoro to celebrate the traditional phases of Matariki celebration. 9 beams soaring to a 1000 metres in the sky represent the 9 stars of Matariki, and connect Ranginui to Papatūānuku.

Stardome estimated a peak 3000+ visitors per night to this free and authentically connected experience to mark the Maori new year and new holiday.
It supported and spread awareness on the concepts of Matariki in a meaningful way that benefited not only the wider Auckland region, but also nationally and internationally as the show gathered publicity from every major media outlet in tv and print, and was picked up by the Guardian, a huge success for the Stardome.

Chief executive Victoria Travers says the show links Stardome with the māramataka as well as marking the first Matariki public holiday.

“This is such beautiful way to welcome manuhiri to Stardome for Matariki. We’re thrilled this time of year is now a celebration for all New Zealanders, one grounded in mātauranga Māori and our place in the world. Mānawatia a Matariki!”