The Lake Rotomā gallery’s return will be celebrated with a Matariki exhibition running from Friday to July 26, from 10am to 4.30pm.
It joins a packed Matariki programme across Rotorua, including the Aronui Arts Festival Drone Show and Te Puia’s dawn Hautapu ceremony.
Kemp said the gallery was a “pretty busy place once upon a time”, operating for about a decade before Covid-19 forced it to close.
He had noticed a shortage of galleries in Rotorua and said “plenty of stoppers” still told him about times they had visited his gallery years ago.
Twelve artists from around New Zealand will showcase up to 80 works at the exhibition, including paintings and large-scale sculptures.
Among them are Ruatoki activist and artist Tame Iti, Gisborne sculptor Brian Wright, Wellington artist Davey McGee and Takapuna-based carver Natanahira Pona.
Works by Kemp, his wife Sherie and son Teimah would feature.
“All three of us will be carving while the show is on, so people will get to see us at mahi,” Kemp said.
Kemp also added a new indoor space for smaller artworks and paintings. The gallery previously only had outdoor sculpture.
Kemp had more than 30 years of experience and was self-taught.
He passed on his skills to Sherie and Teimah.
Seeing them follow his same path had been “pretty special”, he said.
Sherie had been carving for about seven years, while Teimah, 26, first picked up carving tools as a child at sculpture events alongside his father. He has been carving full time for about five years.
Kemp liked to “tell the stories of our world”, describing his work as contemporary modern-day Māori art.
He primarily used wood and stone.
Teimah Kemp works on a new piece ahead of the opening of Kemp Gallery and its Matariki exhibition.
“We’re lucky in this country, you know, the materials [are] everywhere,” Kemp said.
The family had exhibited their art around New Zealand, including at last year’s Sculpture OnShore. Kemp said the event was the country’s largest sculpture exhibition.
Kemp planned to keep the gallery open on weekends and for appointments following the Matariki exhibition. He expected more opening hours over summer.
Kemp believed art connected with people for deeply personal reasons and that his family’s works created “positive vibrations”.
He hoped those walking through the gallery would not only enjoy the art but also get a glimpse into “the crazy mind of the artist”.
Kemp Gallery will mark its reopening with a Matariki exhibition running from Friday to July 26.
More celebrations
Aronui Arts Festival Matariki Drone Show
A record 550 drones are expected to light up the skies above Rotorua’s Lakefront.
July 9 to 11 from 8pm. Free entry.
Rotorua Night Market
An expanded market with kai, crafts and stalls, coinciding with the Drone Show at the Rotorua Lakefront.
Runs from 5pm to 9pm on July 9, and from 1pm to 9pm the following two days.
Matariki Soak, Sip and Show at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa
A hosted restorative journey with prime viewing of the Drone Show. Designed to soothe the body and ground the wairua (spirit).
Limited to 16 guests each evening on July 9, 10 and 11.
Under The Stars 2026: A Matariki Exhibition
An exhibition including a diverse collection of works by local artists, including Toni-Marie Jennings and Mokoia Intermediate ākonga, at The Arts Village on Hinemaru St.
July 9, 5.30pm to 7pm.
Te Pō Kitakita, Matariki 2026
A free evening of toi, creativity and community connection, including live music and hands-on Māori art activities, at The Arts Village on Hinemaru St.
July 9 from 4pm to 7pm.
Ngā Whetū Pīata o te Rangi
Six of Te Arawa’s leading kapa haka rōpū will take the stage at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Tickets are available through booking.
July 9 from 6pm.
Matariki Hautapu Ceremony
Te Puia’s free sacred dawn ceremony of remembrance, gratitude and renewal.
Held on July 10. Tickets are required.
Whānau Fun Day at Te Puia
An interactive celebration for the whole family with activities and entertainment.
Held on July 10. Tickets are required.
Luke Whaanga Matariki Celebration
Local artist and songwriter Luke Whaanga is performing at O-Town Tavern, Ohinemutu.
The performance starts at 8pm on July 10. Email O-Town Tavern for tickets.
Vol.9 Matariki Mixtape
Internationally acclaimed Polynesian DJs Thomas Rose and Ethan James will headline a boutique sunset-to-nightfall set as part of the Aronui Matariki Drone Show.
Tickets are required for the July 11 performance at Terrace Kitchen.
Annabel Reid is a multimedia journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and the Rotorua Daily Post, based in Rotorua. Originally from Hawke’s Bay, she has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Canterbury.