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matARiki Sculpture Trail
June 16, 2026
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Jul 17
Step into an immersive AR journey as the matARiki Sculpture Trail returns 17 June to 18 July. This unique augmented experience of sculpture invites you to explore the stories of Ururangi and celebrate the spirit of Matariki.
A Celestial AR Celebration of Māori Art – matARiki Sculpture Trail
- Masonic Park & Wharf Street, 59 The Strand & 1-28 Wharf Street, Tauranga
- Te Papa o Ngā Manu Porotakataka, 137 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui
Presented by Te Tuhi Māreikura Trust and curated by Te Tauranga Toi, the matARiki Sculpture Trail returns as an innovative augmented reality exhibition celebrating the rising of Matariki through this year’s theme, Ururangi: Gateway to the Stars.
Running from 17 June to 18 July, the trail explores the energy and influence of Ururangi, a star within the Matariki star cluster associated with winds, movement, and transformation – symbolising the pathways that carry us forward.
Returning for another year, the exhibition features digital artworks by leading Māori artists, transforming public spaces into interactive celestial galleries experienced through your smartphone or tablet.
Scan QR codes along the trail to reveal and interact with each artwork in real time, as digital sculptures appear seamlessly within the environment around you. The experience blends mātauranga Māori, contemporary storytelling, and technology, inviting audiences to explore themes of transition, connection, and renewal through both physical and digital spaces.
Follow on Instagram for updates, and capture your experience with the sculptures as you explore – share your moments and tag @matARikisculpturetrail and @mymatariki to be part of this evolving celebration of Māori art, storytelling, and innovation.
Also check out:
- matARiki AR Magic School Holiday Programme at Toi Tauranga Art Gallery at artgallery.org.nz, where tamariki aged 5–12 can get matARiki AR-inspired and create their own Matariki-themed masterpiece from 7–9 July
- matARiki AR Magic Quest with Tauranga City Council and Whats On Tauranga invites families to explore the matARiki Sculpture Trail through a guided, artist-led tour enhanced with augmented reality on 11 and 18 July.
With thanks to the support of Tauranga City Council, TECT, Toi Tauranga Art Gallery, Downtown Tauranga, and Mount Mainstreet.
Event Dates
July 18, 2026
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8:00 am
July 17, 2026
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8:00 am
July 16, 2026
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8:00 am
July 15, 2026
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8:00 am
July 14, 2026
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8:00 am
July 13, 2026
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8:00 am
July 12, 2026
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8:00 am
July 11, 2026
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8:00 am
July 10, 2026
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8:00 am
July 9, 2026
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8:00 am
July 8, 2026
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8:00 am
July 7, 2026
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8:00 am
July 6, 2026
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8:00 am
July 5, 2026
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8:00 am
July 4, 2026
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8:00 am
July 3, 2026
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8:00 am
July 2, 2026
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8:00 am
July 1, 2026
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8:00 am
June 30, 2026
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8:00 am
June 29, 2026
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8:00 am
June 28, 2026
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8:00 am
June 27, 2026
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8:00 am
June 26, 2026
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8:00 am
June 25, 2026
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8:00 am
June 24, 2026
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8:00 am
June 23, 2026
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8:00 am
June 22, 2026
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8:00 am
June 21, 2026
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8:00 am
June 20, 2026
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8:00 am
June 19, 2026
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8:00 am
June 18, 2026
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8:00 am
June 17, 2026
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8:00 am
Show
Salon Risqué: ReVulva A Burlesque cabaret where glamour meets espionage and the fate of the world rests in the hands of the fabulously fierce Curves O Plenty. With funds running dry and stakes running high, the Curves must go undercover—serving secrets, seduction, and swagger—to save the day. Featuring sensational guest stars from across Aotearoa, this is a high-camp, high-heat adventure is packed with cheeky comedy, sultry tease, and outrageous twists. Funny. Sexy. Slightly unhinged.
8 Aug
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8 Aug
Activity
E tū Ururangi – behold the winds of life, carrying the promise and vitality of Tāwhiri-rangi. Celebrate the rising of Matariki with a vibrant day of connection, creativity, and remembrance at Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga Library. Bring your whānau along for a day filled with hands-on activities and rich cultural experiences. Try your hand at raranga (weaving), create your own contemporary mini tukutuku panel, shape a clay taonga, join our history hunt, and learn the basics of poi. Enjoy the beautiful sounds of taonga pūoro and uplifting waiata shared throughout the day.
3 Jul
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3 Jul
Talk / lecture, Expo
Attending the Tauranga campus Open Day is the best way to see what the University of Waikato - Tauranga has to offer and to start planning your next steps. Visit our beautiful Tauranga campus to learn about study pathways, subjects, degrees and the exciting careers they lead to. We've got information sessions, campus and accommodation tours, interactive activities, food stalls, prizes and live entertainment. We can't wait to see you there!
30 Jun
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30 Jun
