During the mid-winter months in Aotearoa, a star cluster will appear in the early morning sky which is called Matariki.
The appearance of the 9 whetu (stars) in the Maori calendar signifies a New Year where whanau have the opportunity to honour the past, present, and future.
There are FREE events for everyone (kids, adults, whanau) all around the country to enjoy.
Some events may require registering in advance, so make sure to click on the links to register.
AUCKLAND
UMU KOHUKOHU WHETU: Ngati Whatua Orakei invites you to this special event to acknowledge the rising of Matariki with a traditional ceremony 'Umu Kohukohu Whetu'. Breakfast will be provided and there will be shuttle buses going to the marae every 5-10 minutes from 4am to 9am. For more details.
When: Friday 28 June from 5.30am - 9am
Where: Takaparawhau Bastion Point, Orakei Marae
TE KARANGA A HAPE: K Road's got everything covered from live waiata, Maori arts and crafts, street performances, kapa haka, fashion, kai, markets, drag queens and even guided walks.
When: Thursday 27 June 2024 from 3 pm - 10pm
Where: Karangahape Road aka K Road.
WHATUA RANGI KITE DAY: Celebrating the tradition of kite flying with the whanau. You can bring a picnic, or there will be kai available at food stalls.
When: Saturday 6 July 2024 from 10am - 3pm
Where: Takaparawhau Bastion Point – Michael J. Savage Memorial, 19 Hapimana Street, Orakei
MAI MATARIKI COMMUNITY DAY: Plant, eat, and connect. Join the Mai Crew and Auckland Zoo Kaimahi who will be serving free kai and helping restore the whenua by planting trees. Chuck your gumboots on and wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty on as we celebrate Matariki together.
When: July 5th from 11am - 2pm
Where: EcoMatters Environment Trust, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn
POI MAKING WORKSHOP: Poi-making workshop and followed by learning how to do a Maori poi dance
When: Thursday 27 June, 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Where: Albany Village Library, 30 Kell Drive, Albany
BAY OF PLENTY
PAPAMOA 'LIGHT UP THE WATERWAY': An evening of manaakitanga, whanau, live performances, and breathtaking lights.
When: 28 June from 5pm-10pm
Where: 7 Gravatt Road, Papamoa Beach
MATARIKI MAUMAHARATANGA CEREMONY: Art exhibitions, watch Maori performers, shop from makete/market stalls or Village shops, join in The Purple Lab waiata workshops, kanikani demo's & workshop. Bring a picnic or buy some kai from food vendors.
When: 28 June from 6am - 8am
Where: Mauao Summit, 1 Adams Ave, Tauranga
CANTERBURY
TIRAMA MAI: Cultural festival of artistic. lighting and cultural displays including performances and storytelling.
When: 21 June to 30 June from 5pm - 10pm
Where: The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch Central
MATARIKI DAWN CELEBRATION AND BREAKFAST: Celebrate Matariki rising by welcoming the dawn on the Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat lawn.
When: 14 July from 6am - 8.30pm
Where: 86 Mt Cook Road, Lake Pukaki, Ben Ohau
MASTER WOOD CARVING: Learn how to wood carve this Matariki with Master carver Johnny Reihana
When: 28 June from 10am-3pm
Where: 1 Motuariki Lane Lake Tekapo
WELLINGTON
MANA MOANA P?¯NEKE: Enjoy a series of indigenous short films that will be projected on a water screen.
When: 27-30 June from 6pm - 9pm
Where: Whairepo Lagoon
Matariki Night Market at Paekakariki School: Delicious waiata, stalls and fireworks. Enjoy Paekakariki's best musicians and their incredible kapa haka group. Check out the stars via the telescope and also the students Matariki project.
When: 27 June from 5pm-8pm.
Where: Paekakariki School, 90 Wellington Rd,
HAWKE'S BAY
MATARIKI @ WAIAROHA HIKOI OF REMEMBRANCE: Create a waka lantern, write your message, and float it on the water. There will be captivating storytelling, special performances, fun kids' activities, live music and kai trucks.
When: 25 June - 26 June from 6pm - 9pm
Where: Waiaroha - Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre, Southampton Street, Hastings
MATARIKI MAHUIKA STORYTELLING AROUND THE FIRE: Gather around the fire as a storyteller shares old tales. Write a message on a biodegradable lantern and float it into Manga Pacific – Te Toka Tu Moana fountain. One free lantern per family.
When: 29 June from 6pm - 9pm
Where: 546 Marine Parade, Napier (next to the National Aquarium of New Zealand)
