Matariki has become a special time around the country for art galleries to work with local iwi. In Waikanae, the Kāpiti Coast's Mahara Gallery sits close to the local marae Whakarongotai and has developed a strong Matariki programme with local Maori artists.
This year their Matariki programme even features a 20 metre long river waka carved recently. Mark Amery visited Waikanae this week and spoke to artist Hariata Ropata Tangahoe (who carved the waka with Len Taylor), and to gallery director Janet Bayly. Mahinga Kai is on at the Mahara Gallery Waikanae until the 29th of July.
