School holiday fun heats up at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi—Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre—on Wednesday, 8 July, when talented musician and storyteller Ora Barlow will deliver an exciting, interactive performance for children of all ages to enjoy.

Ora, of Pacific Curls fame, will perform two 30-minute sessions at 10:30am and 11:30am. The theme is Matariki, and Ora will take her audience on a musical and storytelling journey to the stars and back again.

Whakatāne Library Public Programmes Officer, Anneke Philps, says she is delighted that Ora Barlow will be performing at Te Kōputu. “Her expressive and thought-provoking performance will provide a fitting tribute to the significance of Matariki,” she says. “It’s hard to define her sound, but Ora has pioneered a fusion style of music that seamlessly blends her Te Whānau-ā-Apanui/English roots through backbeat Pacific rhythms, fiddle playing and evocative Māori instrumentation and lyrics.”

Ms Philps says there is also a Hotoke (winter) challenge booklet available from all Whakatāne District Libraries throughout the July school holidays. “Matariki activity sheets are also available at the front desk, and people can collect them and decorate a star to remember someone special in their lives who has passed away,” she says. “The stars will go on display in the library in a special area dedicated to Matariki.

“Attendance is free and bookings are not required, so bring the whole family along for a great time at Te Kōputu.”