Celebrate Matariki through movement, story and play with a joyful hands-on workshop led by Ambrose Sarich — specialist educator, and alchemist of play. This lively workshop invites tamariki, whānau and community to step into a playful world where everyone can join in, connect and discover together.

Joining Ambrose is creative partner Anna Tripp, and local storyteller Tanya Batt supporting the workshop through collaborative play and performance, helping weave together the energy and flow of the experience. Come play, come listen, come move — and celebrate the magic of Matariki with us.

Programme

10-11am Taakaro Māori

11-12pm Resource making:

• -manu tukutuku - raupo kites

• -pākaukau - nikau kites

• -kii - woven ball

• -poi toa - woven poi

These taonga also serve as props for the performance

12-1pm Taakaro Māori

1-2pm Te Whai Wawewawe a Maui - string games

2-3pm Interactive storytelling - discover the puurakau (legend) of Ki o Rahi

The audience are asked to join in and role play the main characters as Ambrose narrates this epic story which is now remembered in one of Aotearoa’s most popular traditional games. Everyone can join us for a game!

Part of the Motu Matariki Festival 2026, generously funded by Foundation North