🌱Matariki 3-day creative adventure

As Matariki rose again in our skies, we came together for three meaningful days of creativity, reflection and connection. Based at Newtown Park Apartments in Newtown, our Home Ground workshop created a safe and vibrant space for wāhine to honour the season through art, story and shared experience.

Running from Tuesday 10 June to Thursday 12 June, the workshop welcomed ten wāhine supported by the Home Ground team and two incredible guest artists, Ahi Nyx and Sarah Rossiter.

Ahi brought the powerful practice of raranga, weaving with harakeke while sharing stories of whakapapa and wairua. Her intention was to light a fire within each participant, to inspire them to continue their weaving journey beyond the workshop. Through her guidance, participants not only learned a new skill but connected with the deeper meaning behind the practice.

Complementing this beautifully, Sarah guided us through making brushes from natural materials and creating a large collective collage. This collaborative artwork brought together the colours, textures and symbols that had emerged over the three days. The final piece now lives on as a window display, a celebration of shared creativity and the spirit of Matariki.

Throughout the workshop the room was filled with conversation, quiet concentration, laughter and a few tears. As confidence grew, so did the work, and by the final afternoon, the sense of pride was unmistakable. Artworks were laid out, stories were shared and the connections between participants felt strong and real.

For many, this time was about more than creativity. Matariki is a moment to pause and look both backward and forward, to acknowledge what has been and set intentions for what comes next. The workshop became a space for just that, reflection, growth and hope.

Thank you to the Women’s Strategy Team at the Department of Corrections for supporting this kaupapa and to each and every woman who brought her full self into the room. Your courage, creativity and mana made the workshop what it was.

As we move into a new season, we carry the spirit of Matariki with us. A time to remember, to celebrate and to plant the seeds of what is to come.