Matariki signifies a time to celebrate, remember, and reflect on the past in a tangible and meaningful way. This midwinter season, share space in the parlour of the historic Puhi nui homestead with Zech Soakai: poet, mentor, educator, and community navigator, as he takes us on a spoken word journey, weaving together the many meanings of Matariki across Moana Oceania.
Discover the stars as you make you way on a self-guided trail around the site. Construct your own manu tukutuku (kite) made with raupō and toetoe from the gardens.
Special Offer: 50% Off All Tickets on the 20th June!
Bring along your friends and whānau for a fun-filled day exploring the Village.
Discounted Admission Prices:
Adult: $8 (normally $16)
Senior/Student: $7 (normally $14)
Child (5–14): $4 (normally $8)
Under 5: Free
Last entry at 3pm – don’t miss out!
Friday, June 20, 1-1:30pm – spoken word poetry
Friday, June 20 – Sunday, June 22, manu tukutuku (kite) making and Matariki star trail
About Zech Soakai
Zech Soakai is a wearer of many hats, a taker of many risks, and a teller of many tales. His favourite hat to wear is as a son, brother, cousin, nephew, grandchild, and uncle to his whānau. With a background that spans both the education and arts sectors, Zech believes wholeheartedly in the limitless potential of our tamaiti.
An established spoken word poet, Zech was the winner of the University of Auckland Poetry Slam (2016) and GROUNDED: Battle of the Arts interdisciplinary showcase (2017). His work has since been featured in theatre productions, anthologies, and exhibitions, including at the Auckland War Memorial Museum for the opening of their gallery, Pou Kanohi New Zealand at War Memorial. Most recently, Zech was a writer and guest curator for Auckland Writers Festival (2025). Zech's written work can be found in 'Rapture: An Anthology of Performance Poetry in Aotearoa New Zealand' (AUP, 2023) and 'Remember Me: Poems to Learn by Heart from Aotearoa New Zealand' (AUP, 2023).
Zech will be performing his poems in the parlour of the historic Puhinui Homestead at the Village, taking us on a journey of what Matariki means across the pacific.
Friday 20 June
1pm – 1:30pm
Ages: 12+
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