Tūhura Otago Museum will project photos of loved ones who have died in the last year onto its building as part of a Matariki dawn ceremony on Friday.
File photo: Tūhura Otago Museum Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
The Dunedin-based museum has received more than 120 submissions since putting out a public invitation to the community.
The Museum's science engagement co-ordinator Māori Toni Hoeta said Matariki was a time of reflection to think about those whānau and friends who have passed away.
"A lot of people couldn't attend tangi and couldn't go to the funerals in-person that they would have wanted to so being able to be all together, to have kind of like a memorial service and saying their names and seeing their faces projected on to the side of the museum is a special way for us to remember them, remember who they are and celebrate their life," Hoeta said.
"It's really sad to see how many people we've lost. But obviously it is an important part of moving forward and looking forward and ensuring that those people are not only remembered but celebrated for their life.
"We're very honoured to be able to do this for our community and to ground it in the tikanga of Matariki."
The ceremony will start at 7am tomorrow with waiata, kapa haka performances and a free community breakfast before a weekend of Matariki events.