Matariki Lantern Workshop

The Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) invites University of Auckland students and staff to attend a free workshop to make a lantern that you can take with you to celebrate Matariki at home. You will be supported by one of our student creative technologists through the workshop, which is designed to be easy-entry. No experience is required.

The 90-minute workshop will include:

• A demonstration of the laser cutter
• Guided tutorial on how to personalise your lantern using Adobe Illustrator
• Laser cutting and assembling your lantern, with all materials including LED candle provided
• An introduction to Matariki, including a viewing of The Seven Kites of Matariki by Calico McKintlock and Dominique Ford, translated into New Zealand Sign Language in a video by CIE spin-out Kara Technologies
• Information about how CIE can support your professional and personal development through its free range of services and facilities.

Date: Multiple sessions running Monday 20 - Thursday 23 June

Venue: Unleash Space (located in the Engineering Building)

If you’ve never been to Unleash Space, the University of Auckland’s state-of-the-art innovation hub and maker space, now is your opportunity to get to know this amazing facility that is free for all current students and staff of Waipapa Taumata Rau (the University of Auckland).

About the lantern designs

You will be able to choose from a selection of Matariki lantern designs. This includes a series of designs by Bachelor of Commerce student and designer Whitinga Harris that reflects the legend of Matariki. Another lantern design option incorporates stars and the official kowhaiwhai pattern for Waipapa Taumata Rau (the University of Auckland), which represents students' willingness to ascend higher in their achievement.

About the Seven Kites of Matariki

The Seven Kites of Matariki is a modern classic picture book written by Calico McKintlock and illustrated by Dominique Ford, which has been translated into New Zealand Sign Language by Niki, an avatar created by Kara Technologies and narrated by poet Sharn Maree (Ngapuhi and Ngati Porou).