AUCKLAND, Today: A stunning collection of Māori artwork has taken over digital billboards across Tāmaki Makaurau as part of Hononga — a citywide outdoor exhibition celebrating Matariki through the eyes of 25 contemporary and historical Māori artists.
Running for the next few weeks, the campaign spans Go Media’s Auckland network of 35 digital billboards, offering a unique platform to showcase Māori art and storytelling during the Matariki season.
Campaign coordinator Tracey Tawhiao (Ngai te Rangi, Whakatohea, Tuwharetoa), who also features in the exhibition, says Hononga is about celebrating the shared connections between Māori creativity, identity, and whenua.
“As both an artist and the designer of the billboards, I wanted to honour Matariki in the best way possible, with Aroha. Art to me is true honest love. Something inside is made manifest outside of us,” says Tawhiao.
“The Art speaks to Matariki as a time of reflection, remembrance, and regeneration. It speaks to harvest, whānau, and the sacredness of Māori cosmology — but also to our place in Aotearoa today. Together they tell a diverse story of who we are while connecting us directly to the Stars of Matariki.”
It’s crucial that Māori artists share their vision and creativity during Matariki. These artworks share our world view on all things called life. It’s important to celebrate at the time for celebration.”
“The public deserve great visual feasts and food for thought in their every day. This is a feast for our collective mind, body and soul… all you need is to see.” – Tawhiao
Go Media’s Managing Director Mike Gray says the campaign reflects the company’s commitment to amplifying Māori voices in public spaces, through bold, beautiful works of art that are impossible to miss.
“We’re proud to use our billboards as cavasses to share these incredible works. The exhibition features pieces from well-known artists as well as up-and-comers.
“Hononga is a chance for everyone to engage with these art works while they are out and about. We hope they’ll help people to consider the meaning of Matariki, reflect on the year that has been and what’s ahead,” says Gray.
Tawhiao says public art helps make creative expression part of everyday life, and Hononga aims to do just that, with impact, presence and purpose.
“The public deserve great visual feasts and food for thought in their every day. This is a feast for our collective mind, body and soul… all you need is to see. I’m grateful to Go Media for making space for Māori art and artists. Its partnership helps uplift our stories, histories and love for our Te Ao universe.
“It’s a good vibe when together we can honour kaupapa Māori in a genuine and practical way,” says Tawhiao.
Artists involved
- Fred Graham
- Robyn Kahukiwa
- Ralph Hotere
- George Nuku
- Leon Kipa
- Gordon Hatfield
- John Miller
- Jos Wheeler
- Claudine Muru
- Raukura Turei
- Tracey Tawhiao
- Natasha Keating
- Tame Iti
- Rakai Karaitiana
- Daniel Tippett
- Rongotai Lomas
- Ra Gossage
- Hollie Tawhiao
- Linda Tuafale
- Chantel Matthews
- Vaimala Urale
- Mei Hill
- Thomas Kirkwood
- Charlotte Graham
- Darryl Thompson (DLT)
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