Date1994DescriptionTe Matariki, created by Dr. Brett Graham (Ngāti Koroki Kahukura) in 1994, is a laminated tanalised pine sculpture first exhibited at the Museum of New Zealand (now Te Papa Tongarewa). It was later acquired by the founding Dean of the University of Waikato Law School, Margaret Wilson, with funding donated by Dame Catherine Tizard.
Dr. Graham’s celebrated practice is deeply rooted in his Māori heritage, and Te Matariki is no exception. Standing over two metres high and two and a half metres wide, the work features seven points—representing the seven stars of the Matariki cluster, each symbolising a distinct attribute:
he mana – prestige
he tika – correctness
he aroha – love
he mōhio – wisdom
he kaha – strength
he pai – goodness
he oranga – welfare
The word matariki literally means “eyes of god.” In Māori mythology, this stems from the story of Ranginui (sky father) and Papatūānuku (earth mother), who were separated by their children, ushering in Te Ao Mārama, the world of light. Tāwhirimātea, one of their children, opposed this separation. In his fury, he tore out his eyes and cast them into the heavens—creating the star cluster Matariki. Its annual rising signals the Māori New Year, traditionally a time for remembrance and renewal.
The sculpture’s shape evokes a young plant—symbolising growth and the pursuit of knowledge. Each of its seven extensions is not only a star but also a staircase-like form known as poutama, commonly found in tukutuku panels within Marae. Poutama represents the sacred journey toward enlightenment, attributed in various traditions to Tāwhaki or Tāne. The twelve steps carved into each poutama reference the twelve heavens that must be ascended in this spiritual quest.
Dr. Graham emphasizes that art should be relevant and accessible to the communities it speaks to. He teaches his students that mahi should carry emotional and cultural weight—grounded and heartfelt, not just analytical. Te Matariki embodies this philosophy. It tells the cyclical story of life and death, while reminding us that reflection on the past must eventually give way to hope for the future.
Each petal begins to unfurl with the promise of the year ahead—seven stairways guiding us toward enlightenment. It reminds us that our journey is shared, that we walk in the footsteps of those who came before us, and that their aspirations live on in our striving to go further.CreatorBrett Graham
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