This Saturday, June 14, The Incubator Creative Hub is hosting a vibrant Matariki celebration titled Ngā Toi o Ngā Whetu – The Art of the Stars.

Incubator director Simone Anderson said the free morning event, starting at 10am, launches a series of four remarkable exhibitions.

“This celebration brings together four stunning exhibitions showcasing student talent, intergenerational Māori clay artistry, contemporary toi Māori, and a collective of Tauranga Moana artists and a distinguished guest artist,” Anderson said.

The event honours Matariki – the Māori New Year and a time for reflection, renewal and community – through an inspiring blend of visual art, performance and kai. Visitors can explore four galleries, each presenting unique stories of culture, creativity and connection.

Pāpāmoa College returns with its third annual Hononga exhibition, where students present powerful works inspired by their connections to land, sea and people.

In The Pothouse Gallery, the intergenerational Māori clay art exhibition Te Kāhui Waiata Uku features celebrated artist Baye Riddell and Incubator Resident ceramicist artist Sandy Kerr alongside emerging talents, weaving together whakapapa and innovation in clay.

The Whare Taonga Gallery showcases Jordyn Elise Daniels’ contemporary Māori paintings, exploring atua wāhine and the natural world through traditional patterns and recycled materials. Meanwhile, the Incubator Gallery presents Hei Tāpiri, a collective exhibition led by Maraea Timutimu celebrating Tauranga Moana’s rich artistic heritage.

Anderson said adding to the atmosphere will be Pāpāmoa College students performing kapa haka and live music. Attendees will also enjoy delicious kai and the vibrant ambience of the Historic Village.