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A special invitation-only screening of Whina will be held at the Matakana Cinemas on June 22, on the eve of Aotearoa’s first Matariki holiday.
The highly anticipated film celebrating the life of Dame Whina Cooper, and her quest for racial equality and land rights, will be released in cinemas nationwide on June 23, aligning with New Zealand’s inaugural Matariki long weekend.
However, Matakana Cinemas will be rolling out the red carpet one day earlier, with the blessing of Ngāti Manuhiri, supported by the Rodney Local Board and Auckland Council.
The driving force behind the event is Tania Rupapera, owner and founder of Unity Collection, a small gallery of authentic Māori contemporary art, design and fashion based in the heart of Matakana Village.
“After navigating Covid as a community these past two years, we wanted to bring people together to enjoy an event and celebrate the Māori New Year,” she says.
“We are inspired by pioneering leaders and people who have made a difference in life. Contributing to people’s lives and community is one of our core values. Dame Whina Cooper certainly did that.”
Whina, directed by James Napier Robertson and Paula Whetu Jones, stars Rena Owen and Miriama McDowell.
“It’s a brilliant and important film that highlights a part of New Zealand’s history that needs to be acknowledged and understood, as well as being an inspirational story and celebrating a strong Māori mana wahine toa,” Rupapera says.
Other events planned by Unity Collection during Matariki include a poi wananga hosted by Te-Rina Gregory-Hawke, founder of PoiYeah. Participants will receive a DIY poi kit, make the poi and learn some poi movements in a fun, mana-enhancing, learning environment.
The work of renowned artist and designer Shona Tawhiao will also be exhibited at the Unity Collection gallery and Ra Gossage’s new design for Unity’s kākahu collection will be released for Matariki. Gossage is renowned for her contemporary kowhaiwhai panels, which she creates from her home studio in Pakiri.
Unity team member, Cherie Williams (Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngāti Wai) will share her aroha through teaching locals to weave a putiputi (flower).
Numbers are limited for all events. Info: www.unitycollection.co.nz or instore at Unity Collection, Matakana Village.
