Pōhutukawa

Te Whare Tapere presents Pōhutukawa, a Matariki exhibition honouring those we’ve lost, those who remember and the natural world from which we all come and return to.

Pōhutukawa being the eldest of the Matariki cluster holds the names of those who have passed. When Matariki returns to the sky, Pōhutukawa carries the dead into the chest of Raki, releasing their spirits to become stars. This installation offers a moment to honour that journey. Surrounded by native plants, visitors are encouraged to sit, reflect, and write the names of loved ones, acknowledging grief, memory and our ongoing connection to Te Taiao, the natural world.

This event is a part of our Matariki 2025 programme happening between 7 - 22 June. View the full line-up of events.