Bling Bling Toi Marama 2020

In July 2020 ĀKAU alongside Te Pū o te Wheke Art Gallery held a light festival that brought light to the community and doubled as a celebration for Matariki, The Māori New Year. Through this kaupapa we supported over 200 local tamariki to design and create light art that contributed to this years kaupapa: 'Bringing Light to the depths of Tangaroa' due to Kaikohe's geographical reference as Te Pū O Te Wheke, the centre of the Octopus. The 3 night interactive exhibition showcased light art from 8 kōhanga, schools and OSCAR around Kaikohe, Moerewa and Okaihau. More than 2000 people walked through the waharoa to celebrate and experience the creative talent of our tamariki.