Matariki Lantern Design Competition with David Trubridge
Let Your Light Shine This Matariki – Enter Our Community Lantern Design Competition
This Matariki, we invite the Hastings community to come together in creativity, remembrance and renewal through a very special Lantern Design Competition, presented in collaboration with internationally renowned designer David Trubridge.
Matariki marks the Māori New Year. A time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward with hope. We’re calling on schools, community groups, families and individuals across the Hastings area to design and create a lantern inspired by the story and meaning of Matariki.
Your lantern might represent the Matariki star cluster, themes of remembrance, the environment, gathering, or new beginnings. However you interpret it, we encourage designs that honour te ao Māori and the spirit of this special time of year.
In keeping with the values of renewal and kaitiakitanga, lanterns must be made using regenerative, recycled, or sustainable materials. This is an opportunity to combine storytelling, design, and environmental responsibility into one beautiful creation.
Download and share the competition flyer with your school, community group, or whānau.
Watch the Hastings District Council’s competition reel on Facebook.
Entry Categories & Prizes
Community Groups
Win a David Trubridge light for your community space.
Individuals & Families
Win a David Trubridge light for your home, plus a $100 food voucher to use at the Kai Hau Kai Matariki event in Hastings (supported by Public Dreams Trust) and a 2026 family pass for Splash Planet Play Park, thanks to Hastings District Council.
Primary & Intermediate School Students (Hastings area)
Win a school visit by David Trubridge, plus $200 school supplies for the winning student’s school, thanks to Public Dreams Trust.
Entry Documentation
Please email your lantern design drawing or a photo of the finished lantern along with one of the following:
- A short written description (100 words), or
- A short video (up to 2 minutes)
Your explanation should include:
- The Matariki story or value represented
- Your material choices and regenerative thinking
- The renewal or future vision your lantern expresses
Send entries to hello@ngātoihawkesbay.co.nz by Tuesday 30 June.
Design Criteria
Lantern designs should reflect the spirit and values of Matariki while embracing creativity, sustainability and storytelling.
Matariki Connection
Designs should meaningfully engage with the story, values, and kaupapa of Matariki.
Regenerative Materials
Lanterns should use regeneration design principles, using renewable, biodegradable materials with minimal waste and positive environmental impact.
Material Innovation
Think creatively about materials. Ideas might include wool, harakeke, coconut coir, maize husk, rice paper, dried seaweed fibres or other natural or reused materials.
Light as Meaning
Consider how light diffusion enhances the storytelling, use of shadow, movement and transparency. For safety, LED lights must be used. No candles or naked flames permitted.
Community Collaboration
Designs may reflect shared stories, local landscapes or community aspirations and encourage collaboration.
Judging & Showcase
All entries will be judged by David Trubridge and his team, recognised internationally for their commitment to sustainable design and nature-inspired lighting, alongside Mayor Wendy Schollum.
When: Thursday 9 July, 5.00pm – 8.00pm
Where: Civic Square, Hastings
Judging takes place as part of the Community Matariki Celebrations, a collaboration between Ngā Toi Creative Hawke’s Bay and Hastings District Council. The event will include a lantern hīkoi for all competition entrants, illuminating the city in a public celebration of light and creativity.
Ready to Enter?
Email your lantern design and description to hello@ngatoihawkesbay.co.nz by Tuesday 30 June.
Whether you’re a seasoned maker or a first-time creator, this is your chance to reflect, design and illuminate.