How Did We Get Here? Step Into the Story with Kōpū 

AORERE ARARAU: Behind the Creative Process

Suspended above the arrivals and departures hall at Nelson Airport, Aorere Ararau is a remarkable 22-metre waka that functions as a tomokanga, a gateway into Te Tauihu, locating all who pass beneath it within the stories and identity of this place.

Developed through a partnership between Ngā Iwi e Waru o Te Tauihu and Nelson Airport, Aorere Ararau brings together ancestral waka traditions and contemporary journeys, speaking to arrival and departure, movement and origin, past and present.

As part of Nelson Arts Festival, discover more of the story behind this extraordinary kaupapa with the premiere of exclusive behind-the-scenes content exploring the people, ideas, artistry and collective effort that brought Aorere Ararau to life.
Playspace Whakatū

KUPE AND THE GREAT OCTOPUS OF MUTURANGI

Dive into the extraordinary world of artist and storyteller Mat Tait as Nelson Airport comes alive with an interactive activation inspired by his beautiful new children’s book, Kupe and the Great Octopus of Muturangi.

Explore artwork from the book and get creative with hands-on activities in a special takeover of the Airport reading corner. A playful invitation for tamariki and whānau to discover the legendary story of Kupe and his epic encounter with Te Wheke a Muturangi, learn more about how this pūrākau is shaping Playspace Whakatū, Whakatū Nelson’s newest outdoor playspace, and add a little creativity to your airport adventures.