We cherish our new connection with some inspiring art initiatives operating in Thames, like The Ngākau Carving Symposium.

Matariki in Morrinsville –  Waikato Wide Collective

Te Kete Aronui by Artist Ben Whitaker

Wearing the Colonia Kaitaka. Totara Fence Post.

27th June to 20th July 2025

Artist statement:

“I believe mahi toi is the pinnacle of our cultural identity as tangata whenua.

I have been surrounded by art, my mother was an educator and arts advisor. My father was a shearer and holder of whakapapa. My  nana shared our whakapapa. Getting to know who I am, has given me grounding and security”.

Ben Whitaker

The Morrinsville Gallery is excited to present a remarkable exhibition celebrating the spirit of Matariki in our district and the greater Waikato region. Enjoy “Matariki in Morrinsville” from until July 20, 2025.

We cherish our new connection with two inspiring art initiatives operating in Thames, namely Vessel and The Ngākau Carving Symposium.

Vessel is a gallery located at 752 Pollen Street in Thames packed with work from their talented collective. It is definitely worth a visit. We are so grateful that many of these artists have contributed to our exhibition that celebrates the spirit of Matariki.

The Ngākau Carving Symposium has generously made some of the incredible carvings and stonework created during their April 2025 event for sale. The symposium is a two-week, live-in workshop for sculptors and carvers, held at Thames South School to foster sculptural creativity and to fundraise for them. Now in its third year, it continues to grow and thrive, so mark your calendars for next year, it culminates in a wonderful community event and auction at the school.

Visit Morrinsville and experience these captivating exhibits for yourself! Discover more about the creative communities in Mighty Waikato, including the Matamata Art Club, which has also contributed artwork. You can find all the organizations on Facebook by searching for their names. We hope to host these talented groups again in dedicated exhibitions, strengthening the connections among creatives in the wider region.

As the center of community art in the Matamata-Piako District, we are thrilled by the enthusiastic response from over 65 artists of all generations, ranging from amateurs to professionals. Discover the rich and diverse interpretations of Matariki created by artists from various areas across Waikato, including Morrinsville, Te Aroha, Matamata, Thames, Coromandel, Te Awamutu, Tamahere, and Hamilton, all of whom have contributed to this artistic call-out.

Our dedicated Curator, Elizabeth Borrows, is leading this project, with the support of our wonderful volunteers who have organized the displayed works across two of our galleries: Whakaaturanga, and Awatea.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to MPD Creative Communities NZ and the Matamata-Piako District Council for their generous support, which has made this exhibition possible.

About the Morrinsville Gallery
The Morrinsville Art Gallery Charitable Trust proudly celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2025, serving as the heart of community art in the Matamata-Piako District. We are passionate about creating a welcoming and vibrant space for both locals and visitors in Morrinsville and throughout the beautiful Waikato region.

For more information, please contact us at info@morrinsvillegallery.org.nz.