Matariki signals the Māori New Year. It is a time of renewal and celebration in Aotearoa that begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster, and this year is officially celebrated on Friday 14 July with a public holiday.

The challenge is to create an illuminated artwork to mark this special event. Create a light lantern, light sculpture or light display which encompasses the essence or a component of Matariki to be in to win a class, business, or household lunch shout! Be as resourceful and creative as you like but you need to ensure your entry is battery-powered, transportable and represents Matariki.

There are three categories:

• Best in Business (team max 30)

• Best Class in School (class max 30)

• Best in Residential (household)

The Te Papa website is full of information and inspiration, visit tepapa.govt.nz and search Matariki. To enter, email a photo of your entry to events@tasman.govt.nz before noon on Friday 7 July.

We will then display your photo on our Facebook page and invite people to “like” their preferred entry in each category. The photo with the most “likes” in each category by the end of the competition wins.

All entrants are invited to bring along their creation and display it at Washbourn Gardens’ Matariki Celebration on Thursday 13 July where people can get a close-up look at entries and decide which is their favourite to vote for. The Facebook competition will open at noon Monday 10 July, and finish at noon Monday 17 July