Ōtautahi (Christchurch)

Yo-Yo Ma joined mana whenua artists and artisans of the Ngāi Tahu iwi to explore how culture connects us to each other, to nature, and to the future, and how artists play a role in protecting our shared water resources. By invitation only.

Yo-Yo Ma invited concert guests and the Ōtautahi Christchurch community for a traditional hāngi cooked by Tuahiwi hāngi masters in celebration of the land, the river, and all that we share. The hāngi fire was lit late in the morning, and lifted and blessed in the afternoon. Open to the public.

The entire community was invited to sit together on the banks of the Ōtākaro Avon River to acknowledge the rivers of Waitaha Canterbury through song and weaving.

While kairaranga weave harakeke, karakia (prayers), music contributions from across the Ōtautahi community, and waiata (songs) sung together celebrated the life-sustaining water that connects us all.

Conceived by Juliet Arnott of Rekindle and Kerepeti Paraone (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Hine), in partnership with Te Pūtahi – Christchurch centre for architecture and city-making. Open to the public.

“Ko te wai te ora ngā mea katoa. Water is the life giver of all things.” Christchurch rangatahi (youth) joined Yo-Yo Ma to reflect on the role of water in our diverse cultural traditions and its importance in our shared future. In partnership with the University of Canterbury. Open to the public; please reserve free tickets here.