Walking About: Pīta Turei Mata Kē Ao

Join storyteller and orator Pīta Turei on the summit of Pukematekeo to observe the sun rising over this land as winter gives way to spring.

From the top of Pukematekeo the isthmus of Tāmaki Makaurau spreads before you. You can discern the Waitematā, Manukau and Kaipara harbours and the two oceans that flow into them, mark the 13 portages that cross the land and see the sky stretching over our two mountain ranges. Congregating in the moments before the sun rises we will see Whakaahu Kerekere (Castor), and Whakaahu Rangi (Pollux) in the sky.

From Pukematekeo a history of the land and people can be told. One that anchors our cognisance of this place in observation and the sharing of the oral histories of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Pīta Turei (Ngai Tai ki Tamaki, Ngati Paoa, Nga Rauru Kiitahi) comes from a background in dance and theatre. He produces and directs independent kaupapa Maori documentaries for television and film. Turei is known as a kawa advisor, storyteller and orator connecting a new generation with the ancient histories of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Walking about is a series of performative and participatory walks that travel across Auckland with Te Hau ā Uru – the West Wind. The walks are artworks – guided experiences leading audiences and participants across Auckland. Its walks-as-artworks follow stories, pathways of the imagination and the senses, awa (rivers) and maunga (volcanic hills), uncovering the hidden trajectories of our urban and bush terrain.

Using seasonal and astronomical calendars the walks will spread across the year beginning in Mahuru (September) 2019 as the pīpīwharauroa begin to sing for spring and finishing in Aponga (August) as winter blows its last gusts.

Walking about is presented by Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery in partnership with curators Christina Houghton and Melissa Laing. It is supported by the Auckland Council.

Sunday September 22, 5:45 am
Pukematekeo Lookout, Summit Road (off Scenic Drive), Waitākere Ranges.