Step into a world where colour, light, and story converge.

Wharenui Harikoa, the stunning large-scale crocheted wharenui (Māori meeting house) inspired by the joy, connection, and healing found in te ao Māori will grace Tāmaki Makaurau’s treasured theatre stage The Civic.

This immersive experience weaves together tukutuku panels, handcrafted pou, a sensory touch wall, and a mesmerising light and soundscape. Drawn from taonga tuku iho (ancestral treasures passed down), it invites you to take off your shoes, slow down, and enter a space for dreaming.

At its heart, Wharenui Harikoa is a refracting prism of tūpuna-inspired light — a vessel of aroha travelling across the world to ignite joy, one loop at a time.

Inspired by the stories of Matariki and Te Whānau Mārama (the celestial family), this is the first time the Wharenui will stand while Matariki is visible in the night sky — a powerful moment to honour the past, celebrate the present, and dream boldly for the future.

This project is proudly supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Linda Herd for her generous support.
Poster design by Colenso BBDO.

Donate to Auckland Live. Share the joy of the performing arts!

Everyone deserves to be inspired by live performance, art, and music. Auckland Live is dedicated to offering incredible free and low-cost events to the people of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and visitors to our city. With your help, we can do even more.

Add a donation when you book your free ticket - even $1 will help us continue to bring more low cost and free awe-inspiring experiences to our tamariki | children, whānau | families, and communities.

OR

Donate at The Civic during Wharenui Harikoa and help us to make more arts and entertainment events accessible to all.

Together, we will make sure everyone experiences the wonder of live arts and culture. Make a difference today!

Auckland Live is a business unit of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. It is a charitable trust and donee organisation approved by Inland Revenue. A tax receipt can be claimed for donations of $5 and over. To receive a receipt, please email arqueries@aucklandunlimited.com. It will be sent to you within seven working days. Donations are non-refundable. Credit card charges apply.

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