Street Party!
Everyone is invited to join us at the Forrester Gallery and Mahika Kai Mahika Toi, our new extension, for a whānau-friendly street party full of fun events on Saturday 2 May from 10.30 am until 8.00 pm at 9 Thames Street, Ōamaru.
There will be artist talks, cultural performances, interactive art activities, DJs, bands and more! Come to our whare toi to celebrate our new exhibitions, including Paemanu: Kārakaraka Toi, and to encounter our new facilities, including a lift and education room!
All events are free to attend. Food trucks will also be on-site to purchase kai + inu! Please get in touch with gallery@waitaki.govt.nz for any accessibility assistance. Check out our website for more info: www.culturewaitaki.org.nz
11am: Artist Kōrero
Hear from Paemanu artists to learn more about these artworks, and the key principles that underpin the rōpū. Paemanu activities, such as shared exhibition making and cultural exchange, all aim to contribute to the flourishing of Ngāi Tahu contemporary visual arts. The rōpū will share reflections on the journey behind these artworks, from a shared hīkoi along the Waitaki river, abroad at the Asia Pacific Triennial, and their return here within Kārakaraka Toi.
12pm and 1:30pm: Mahi Tahi, Mahi Toi
Join Paemanu artists for a relaxed making session, suitable for all-ages. You will create a porotītī, a type of taoka pūoro (Māori musical instrument), using a spinning disc to create stirring and healing sounds! Porotītī are typically made from bone, wood or stone, but these will be created using card. You are invited to then beautifully adorn your porotītī with drawings and special hand made stamps inspired by our taoka species, ana whakairo and mahika kai.
All are welcome at these free events. Nau mai, haere mai!
See you there!
From the team and Friends of the Forrester Gallery
When
-
Saturday, 02 May 2026 | 10:30 AM
- 08:00 PM
Location
Usual opening times: Tuesday to Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm. Weekends and public holidays including Waitangi Day, King's Birthday and Matariki 1:30pm - 4:00pm. Closed Mondays (unless a public holiday).
Forrester Gallery, 9 Thames Street Ōamaru 9444, 9400, View Map