EVENT_Matariki2026StadiumRuruMural_DunedinNZ_001_DSC2952.JPG

Name: Matariki Messenger
Artists: Ephraim Russell & SwiftMantis
Location: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Anzac Ave, Dunedin
Date: July 2026

Artists statement:

“The tā moko patterns feature references to Te Whangai i te Hautapu, the sacred Matariki ceremony where offerings are made to the stars. By weaving these elements into the design, the artwork pays homage to the ritual of nourishing the celestial bodies and carrying wishes and aspirations into the new year.
The Ruru, a nocturnal bird, is deeply connected with Te Ao Wairua (the spiritual realm). Regarded as a sentinel of the night, the Ruru is seen as a messenger who carries guidance and wisdom. Its presence is more than symbolic; it is often viewed as a tangible link to ancestors, embodying the enduring relationship between the living and those who have gone before”.