The Karangahape Road Business Association welcomed everybody to celebrate Matariki and the fresh new look of Karangahape Road at Te Karanga ā Hape, a progressive street-long party on Saturday 26 June 2021 from 3-8pm; and again for 2022 on the eve of the first Matariki public holiday June 23rd.
We worked with an amazing team of local creative producers alongside Karangahape Road businesses to create a packed schedule with more than 60 events and activities, full of sensory delights.
The event theme Te Ao Mārama / The Enlightened World, acknowledges the Matariki star cluster, plus the 1930s community project that first lit the strip with electric lighting, and the inclusive vibrancy of the area we love today.
From lighting and fashion installations in shop windows to live music across multiple outdoor stages, markets and kai, bespoke street art, free workshops and walking tours, exhibitions, outdoor screenings, bicycle valets and guided rides, as well a smorgasbord of special offers from local shops and restaurants – this was an event to experience!
Te Karanga ā Hape called together more than 100 local artists, DJs, performers and designers – including electronic musicians Samara Alofa, Imugi and Dubtext; DJs Andy ‘Submariner’ Morton, Empress Naima and Diesel; street artists Component, Serval Fandango and Shelley Botticelli; and fashion designers Adrian Hailwood, Lela Jacobs and Jimmy D – all surrounded by the individual contributions of local bar, restaurant and shop owners.
A pop-up Matariki hub, inviting creatives into an interactive public space to share their skills and knowledge, was set up at 211 Karangahape Road. The hub was host to a photographic exhibition of Karangahape Road through the ages, alongside a series of wānanga and creative workshops.
Te Karanga ā Hape marks the completion of the Karangahape Road enhancements project which has revamped the street, ready for everyone to enjoy.
View the full event programme here.
The Organisers
Te Karanga ā Hape was produced by the Karangahape Road Business Association and supported by Auckland Transport, Auckland Council and Link Alliance.
To deliver Te Karanga ā Hape, the KBA assembled a diverse team of event organisers and community activators, including Matariki programme coordinator Anya Vitali, Bike Auckland’s Tim Adriaansen, Arash Barzin from Link Alliance and creative producers Chante Neblett, Bhavesh Bhuthadia, Gareth Farry, Julian Cook and Lisa McMillan.
