Open Christchurch 2025: Beyond Walls: The power of wharenui and great halls

OPEN CHRISTCHURCH 2025: Beyond Walls: Wharenui and Great Halls

With: Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Center & Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga

Where: Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre

Join us in the Great Hall for an event that considers our most vital cultural spaces and architectural traditions. Professor Deidre Brown takes us through the two great traditions of the wharenui and great hall, while our other invited speakers and MC Corban Te Aika explore what these gathering spaces mean to them. What sustains wharenui and great halls as spaces that resonate for the people of Aotearoa New Zealand?  invited. 

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Friday 2 May: 6 - 7.30pm
Koha, Bookings essential

Important things to know

• Building access via ramp
• Tour/site involves steps
• Accessible toilets on site
• Gender-neutral toilets available on site
  

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About Open Christchurch:

2-4 May 2025

Open Christchurch is a one-weekend-only festival of exceptional architecture. It’s for everyone in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Building owners/kaitiaki will literally open their doors so you can experience great design from the inside

Uncover new spaces or get up close to the buildings you love. With 50+ buildings and 5 guided walks to choose from, you’ll discover your city in a new way.

Visit openchch.nz for more information.

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Wheke - courtesy of Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, Stone Chamber of the Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings - courtesy of Art History Dept, University of Canterbury