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‘He rau tangata he koingo aroha’ (many people gather and express love in a myriad of ways) is the theme for the Matariki Festival at Te Papa Tongarewa.

Engagement facilitator Mere Boynton (Te Aitanga a Mahaka, Te Aitanga a Hauiti and Tuhoe) says it's about getting together with loved ones, by attending events “or just to share kai and reconnect.”

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

Dusk when the light is soft and nature is quietening down to sleep, it’s a magical time of the day.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?

Elegant yet quirky.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

Collaborating and sharing ideas with people who think outside of the square. I sometimes enjoy the creative process more than the outcome.

How does your environment affect your work?

I can work anywhere as long as I am surrounded by creative, dynamic people. In the past I worked in a theatre that had no heating in the winter and no air conditioning in the summer and I loved it!

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

I’m a big picture person but I have had to learn how to focus on the details because when your managing events it’s all about to do lists.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

Relationships, nurture existing ones and create new ones because you never know when you may need to shoulder tap someone for support.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

My new cd Aroha/Ahava it took a year and a half of collaboration with composer Jonathan Besser to create.

Who or what has inspired you recently?

My son Mana Tawhiti who is autistic. He is learning to become more independent and it is such a joy to celebrate every goal he achieves like dressing himself. It’s the small things that inspire me.

Tell us a bit about your creative background.

I am singer and an actor and studied voice at the Conservatorium of Music in Wellington a loooooong time ago. I was the Artistic Director of Taki Rua Theatre in the mid 1990’s and have worked as an Event Producer and Event Manager for Te Papa on and off over the last 15 years.

Tell us about your role with the Matariki Festival. How is it facilitated?

I am creating the content for the Te Papa Matariki Festival. Te Papa has been celebrating Matariki since early 2000 and we always try to create events that reach a wide cross section of our community from tamariki through to kaumatua.

Tell us about this year’s theme.

‘He rau tangata he koingo aroha’ Many people gather and express love in a myriad of ways. Our theme encourages people to find opportunities to get together with loved ones, whether it be to attend a Matariki event or just to share kai and reconnect.

What are some of the highlights of this year’s programme?

At Te Papa the New Zealand Post Kaumatua Kapahaka is a must see on Sat 4 – Sunday 5 July.

I’m going to the Poi E flash mob at the Civic Square on Saturday 13 June are you?

Art Night on Thursday 2 July will be a fantastic night filled with art, food and entertainment. Jump on a free bus and visit 6 galleries and museums throughout the region.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?

Become a yoga instructor, in fact I think I might just do that when I am over running around organising events and performing.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?

Wainui beach, my turangawaewae. The most beautiful beach in the world.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?

In my living room, the sound turned right up on my stereo and me singing at the top of my voice, poor neighbours.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?

A flag.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?

Go for a walk, works every time.

What’s great about Matariki?

Remembering our loved ones who have passed on and sharing kai, inu and korero with friends and whanau

What’s your big idea for 2015?

I am planning a tour of Aroha/Ahava in summer with a band of six amazing musicians, bliss!

• Wellington Matariki Festival runs from Saturday 13 June to Sunday 12 July with more than 60 events throughout the region.