Published on 03 September 2026
Whanganui Regional Museum media release
The Whanganui Regional Museum is extending its opening hours on Thursday 17 September, inviting the community to enjoy an evening of activities celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.
From 5pm to 8pm, visitors can take part in a range of hands-on, creative and cultural activities, with opportunities to learn something new, have a go and enjoy te reo Māori discovery in a relaxed setting. “We want to create a welcoming space where people feel comfortable having a go and trying something new, whatever their level of experience,” says Timara Wallace, Kaiwhakaako Māori/Māori Educator at the Museum. “You can watch or jump in and have a go. There’s no pressure to stay with one activity either — the sessions are flexible, so people can move in and out, follow their interests and participate in whichever way suits them.” There will be plenty to discover throughout the evening. Te Wānanga o Aotearoa will host a hands-on raranga session, introducing participants to the traditional Māori art of weaving and plaiting using native plant materials such as harakeke. Timara Wallace will lead a session of waiata and kapa haka, giving visitors the opportunity to join in with the singing. Natasha Priddle, Pou Mātauranga/Team Leader Education, will lead a creative session combining whakataukī and light art, and Tania Te Huna will read from her book Kūaka ki te Ao/Godwits to the World. Other demonstrations and performances involving poetry and rangatahi speakers are planned. Visitors are encouraged to come along for as much or as little of the evening as they like. Whether it is trying raranga for the first time, learning kapa haka actions, exploring light art or more, there will be plenty of opportunities to participate. A full schedule of activities is available on the Whanganui Regional Museum website at wrm.org.nz/events. The evening runs from 5pm to 8pm on Thursday 17 September at Whanganui Regional Museum. All activities are free. Koha and donations warmly welcomed. Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate te reo Māori and its place in Aotearoa — and the Museum invites the community to come along, have a go and enjoy an evening together.