NEWSROOM

University staff light up at Matariki lantern making workshops

16 July 2021

The Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) ran a series of free workshops in the Kura Matahuna (Unleash Space) maker space where participants were able to learn about the legends of Matariki and make a lantern that they could take home with them to celebrate the Māori New Year. Originally intended for both staff and students, all 200 tickets across 20 workshops were snapped up on release by University of Auckland staff, eager to extend their knowledge of Maoritanga through a fun, hands-on activity.

Participants were able to choose from a selection of Matariki lantern designs, including designs by Bachelor of Commerce student and designer Whitinga Harris that reflected the legend of Matariki. Another lantern design option incorporated stars and the official kowhaiwhai pattern for Waipapa Taumata Rau (the University of Auckland), which represents students’ willingness to ascend higher in their achievement. The workshops were facilitated by Unleash Space student Creative Technologists.

During the workshop, participants saw a screening of The Seven Kites of Matariki, a modern classic picture book which had been turned into a video narrated by poet Sharn Maree (Ngapuhi and Ngati Porou) with an avatar translating text into New Zealand Sign Language. Avatar Niki was created by Kara Technologies, a spin-out company from CIE’s Velocity programme.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Engagement Manager Naomi Bradshaw says the team at CIE have been delighted by the response to workshops. “These workshops were designed as a taster so participants can learn about CIEs offerings and come back for other workshops. CIE runs a range of workshops throughout the year to enable students and staff to gain confidence in using new equipment. Staff are such an important stakeholder group for us. All University of Auckland staff are welcome to make use of the free equipment training, workshops, and programmes on offer through CIE for their own development. In addition, staff are influential in encouraging students to make full use of the resources CIE has available. Seeing is believing, and there is nothing like an in-person experience to turn people into advocates. These Matariki workshops were especially important to us. The team at CIE are on a journey to develop their knowledge of Te Reo and Maoritanga and it was wonderful to be able to research and learn about Matariki to develop these workshops and provide an opportunity for our University community to come together to learn and celebrate.”

Naomi says that the response has inspired the team to eke out time for further experiential workshops. “Feedback we received was that staff would like more workshops, and opportunities to have more experience with the equipment and customising designs. So, we have some laser-cut jewellery workshops and Christmas ornament workshops in the works.”

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