SOLD OUT: Pouhine Taonga Pūoro Sound Bath

Taonga pūoro are traditional Māori instruments deeply connected to spirituality and storytelling within te ao Māori. They are inspired by the sounds of the natural world.

Join two of our most celebrated taonga pūoro practitioners, Ariana Tikao, Kāi Tahu and Mahina-Ina Kingi-Kaui ,Kāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou, for a sonic sound bath session; a transformative experience that merges the ancient restorative power of taonga pūoro with the resonance of karakia and waiata.

In this special event, environmental voices, atua and tīpuna are invoked through the sacred sounds of taonga pūoro. Ariana and Mahina both draw on their own rich practices of music and rongoā, healing. Their gentle yet powerful approach reflects atua wahine – the divine feminine – welcoming a profound sense of reflection and relaxation.

As the soothing tones wash over you, enter a state of deep calm, allowing tension to dissolve and mental clarity to emerge. You are welcome to bring a yoga mat to lie on, and a blanket to cover yourself for extra warmth.

Following the Sound Bath there will be cups of tea and light nibbles in the Common room to whakanoa.

This event will take place in the exhibition space of Te Waiatatanga Mai o te Atua The song of the gods, in the Observatory Tower. Due to the heritage nature of the building, access is by stairs only.

This is a free-to-attend event; however, registrations are essential as numbers are strictly limited due to venue capacity.

Image by Good Company Arts, from PEPE (2024–25)

Ihirangaranga: Creation & Connection

This event forms part of Ihirangaranga: Creation & Connection, a multi-week programme presented by Te Whare Tapere from 13 August – 5 September, celebrating Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa | Māori Music Month.

Guided by the whakaaro of ihirangaranga, the programme explores sound as a source of connection — carrying memory, wellbeing, and culture across generations. Through music, movement, film, and shared creative experiences, Ihirangaranga invites people to come together, listen, learn, and explore the many ways sound connects us to one another, our communities, and our stories.

Ngā mihi nui to the Farina Thompson Charitable Trust, proudly managed by Perpetual Guardian, for their generous support in making Ihirangaranga: creation & connection possible.