AROHA is part of the Northern Lights Festival based in Tutukaka. It is a light wall inspired by Matariki and the Aurora Borealis. The theme for the piece is LOVE, a contemporary cultural vision, combining positive māori, chinese and pākēha asthetics.

It is part of Te Kotahi Project, celebrating our diversity and unity as a nation - Kotahitanga.

AROHA encourages the public to take part and interact - a true celebration of Matariki. In acknowledgement of Matariki, people will be offered ‘glowing star’ decals, that can be stuck all over the wall, creating an evolving, inspired, collaborative artwork.

AROHA will appear alive with the internal lighting effect emulating the ‘Aurora Borealis’, projecting through unmasked sections of the wall - almost like a cosmic voyage across the night sky. There will also be speakers erected that will play a ‘native inspired’ soundtrack (kiwi & bird calls, māori instrumental, waves crashing, streams flowing). At certain intervals throughout the evening, the lights will be turned off and the ‘glowing star’ night sky, will come to life. A creation made by the community.

People will gather, share time, kai and conversations, building unity and a positive, loving community spirit!

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This is a not-for-profit, community run festival. You don't need a ticket to visit this art installation, however, it would greatly help us with reporting to our funders at WDC if you did!

Grab a free ticket for you and your whanau or choose to give a little extra if you can!

We thank you for your support.

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Curator Shane Hansen is an artist, a designer of graphics, furniture and fashion, a loving husband and doting Dad to two gorgeous boys. Born in New Zealand in the 1970s, he is of Maori (Tainui, Ngati Mahanga-Hauroa), Chinese, Danish and Scottish descent. Shane is the benefactor of a life lived long and well in Aotearoa. The country is in his blood, in his heart and in his art.

Shane’s creations spring from the characters, creatures, moods, memories and moments lying deep within the country he calls home. His artistic world is one of bold colours, modern Maaori motifs, optimism and clarity inspired by his multi-cultural heritage and an admiration for pop-art, strong graphics and a profound appreciation of the landscapes that surround him.

Shane passionately supports many charities and community groups. He has recently launched his own community art initiative, Te Kotahi Project, which is all about creating colaborate meaningful art pieces that promote positivity, strength and Kotahitanga.