Description:

Waka Whetū was a collaborative exhibition developed through a partnership between Tūhura Otago Museum and Otago Polytechnic, created to celebrate the cultural significance of Puaka and Matariki through a community-led, culturally grounded design approach. The exhibition aimed to nurture whanaungatanga (relationship-building), elevate cultural awareness, and exemplify responsive, values-driven design practice that honours mātauraka Māori.

At its heart, Waka Whetū was imagined as a constellation of student-led design responses—visual, spatial, and emotional—reflecting the themes of remembrance, renewal, and reconnection embodied by Puaka and Matariki. The metaphor of a waka navigating by the stars provided a powerful conceptual foundation, enabling students to explore both personal and collective interpretations of the kaupapa through meaningful, culturally respectful design. Victoria’s kōrero offered not only detailed insight into the specific roles and meanings of each star within the Matariki cluster but also revealed the gendered balance and spiritual significance underpinning the Māori lunar calendar.

The project was guided by Māori astronomer Victoria Campbell (Kāi Tahu), whose kōrero and research provided the foundational mātauraka for the exhibition. Students were welcomed into a space of ako (reciprocal learning) and manaakitaka (care), fostering an environment of mutual respect and growth. This knowledge was further enriched and supported by Curator and Pouhere Kaupapa Māori Dr Gerard O’Regan, Craig Scott, Head of Exhibitions and Creative Services, and Otago Polytechnic’s Te Punaka Ōwheo – Māori Support Centre, who together guided the design process and offered ongoing creative and cultural mentorship to ākonga.