Wharenui Harikoa

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

Daily, 05 - 27 Jul, 2025, @ 10am - 6pm

Free - Tickets Required
The Civic

Words by Auckland Live
Last updated 05 Nov 2025

By Lissy & Rudi Robinson-Cole

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.

Location

Te wāhi

The Civic

View venue Plan your route Plan your transport

Local tip

He tīwhiri mō te rohe

Head to Stark’s Café and Bar for a pre-show cocktail, beer or wine. It opens 90 minutes before any show or event at The Civic.

Getting there

Te huarahi ki reira

By car, head to The Civic car park near Queen Street where you’ll find plenty of affordable paid parking. By train, head to Britomart Station and walk up Queen Street for around 10 minutes to reach The Civic. Alternatively, take a bus to the Queen Street or Wellesley Street bus stops, which are both within a short walking distance.