In partnership with the Handshake project, Stanley Street Gallery is delighted to present the work of nine jewellery artists from Aotearoa New Zealand, contemplating and celebrating the mid-winter Matariki star cluster 🌌 67206 days, 2276 full moons since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi...who’s counting? Ever since the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in February 1840, Aotearoa New Zealand has experienced 2276 full moons. During this time, the Māori people initially faced a decline in their cultural identity, but they have since made significant progress in reclaiming their heritage and gaining public respect. Today, celebrating the Māori language is an integral part of New Zealand’s identity and is politically recognised as an official language. This rapid change still faces resistance from the old colonial antagonists. However, the New Zealand New Year is now uniquely determined by the alignment of the Matariki star cluster. This official mid-winter celebration symbolizes the coming together and unity of the nation, respecting and embracing cultural differences. The Aotearoa New Zealand jewellery artists featured in this exhibition contemplate themes of discovery, origins, integration, transformation, virtue, cultural respect, differences, and conflict. Discover the works on our website Link in Bio