Celebrate our national holiday! Visit Te Papa’s new walk-through experience and discover why Matariki is unique.

This July, to celebrate Matariki 2023 Wellington Museum's Te Wheke space will be transformed into a creative hub for everyone to enjoy every day of the school holidays. For some iwi Matariki heralds the Māori New Year. Historically, new year celebrations provided the opportunity for whānau to come together and acknowledge the year gone by, prepare for the year ahead with kai, kōrero, ceremony and entertainment. Join us in reflecting on this special time of the year with the Wellington community. Daily drop-in Matariki activities include:  🌟 Commemorative lantern-making crafts  Manuhiri can make their own lantern and write a message to commemorate a loved one. These can be taken home or hung up and displayed in Te Wheke for everyone to enjoy. 🌟 Write your Matariki intention on a star   Manuhiri are invited to write their intention or goals for the year ahead on a star, and then place these on our Matariki/pleiades constellation wall. 🌟 Whānau reading  Books, beanbags and small tables will be available for whānau to read and enjoy throughout the day. We welcome everyone at Te Waka Huia o Nga Taonga Tuku Iho and Matariki at the Museum is ideal for 5 – 12 year olds.  Donations appreciated.

Come join us to learn about and celebrate Matariki. Using a mixture of storytelling and interactive learning, the National Library will help you connect to the kaupapa of new beginnings, new connections, and new understandings in Aotearoa. Suitable for all ages.

Old St Paul’s is turning its gaze to the mid-winter stars to celebrate Matariki providing all manuhiri a tranquil space to take a moment and reflect. During July, our Matariki Moments board will be set up in the vestry of the building. It's a colour-coded interactive activity for everybody to enjoy. Come in to Old St Paul’s during opening hours and either māharatia/reflect by writing a message to someone you love and have lost; whakanuia/celebrate with a note to honour your present situation and successes; or wawatia/aspire by writing down a goal for the year ahead. Mānawatia a Matariki!

Join us in SpaceHQ, where your little ones can learn about the stars of Matariki, how to weave, and create their own paper constellation to take home! Drop-in session. Suitable for ages 3-5. There is another session on Wednesday 21 July.

Come join us to learn about and celebrate Matariki. Using a mixture of storytelling and interactive learning, the National Library will help you connect to the kaupapa of new beginnings, new connections, and new understandings in Aotearoa. Suitable for all ages.

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre invites you to celebrate Matariki with talented artists from Ōtautahi and beyond. Just as the nine whetū (stars) are navigation points in the night sky, Matariki is a chance to orient ourselves, reflect on the past and look to the future. This year's Matariki celebrations explore whakatere waka (navigation) through ngā toi (the arts), and include outstanding performances, an exhibition of Māori visual arts, a stunning Kapa Haka showcase, exciting kid's wānanga (workshops) and the Matariki mākete with local crafts and delicious kai. Gather your whānau and friends to enjoy a range of creative events to mark the occasion. Ngā toi is for everyone. View the full programme and book tickets at https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/matariki-2023

When we collectivise and weave together the tapestries of our arts, it creates a deeply rich and diverse cultural landscape that reflects our unique experiences, stories and perspectives. So, it begs the question: without Māori art – who are we?

Come join us to learn about and celebrate Matariki. Using a mixture of storytelling and interactive learning, the National Library will help you connect to the kaupapa of new beginnings, new connections, and new understandings in Aotearoa. Suitable for all ages.

✨ Come together with friends and whānau to celebrate the rise of Matariki and the start of the Māori new year ✨ Join us as we illuminate the night sky and surrounding buildings of Napier's CBD with a beautiful Matariki star inspired light display. Storytelling, lights and music will bring Herschell Street alive offering an opportunity to reflect on what Matariki means for our city and our people. Taking place across two magical evenings, come on down for a fun family-friendly night out with kai, music and the sharing of this special time of year with loved ones.

As the Matariki star cluster rises at dawn in the north-eastern skies of Tāmaki Makaurau, the whāriki / welcome mat is laid out and Matariki ki te Manawa - Matariki at the heart – will begin. Experience the manaakitanga of Te Pokapū Tāone, our vibrant city centre, and witness authentic tangata whenua stories of place. A waharoa / gateway marks the place where the land once met the sea in Queen Street, manu / birds fly overhead and a chorus of birdsong is heard. Contemporary Māori artists will immerse midtown in waiata and music at scheduled times, and Elliott Street will mark its early origins and ‘eat street’ vibe with pātaka kai / food storehouse symbolism, suspended above the street in fluoro-neon art. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland Council, supported by the city centre targeted rate, are proud to bring Matariki ki te Manawa to the streets, laneways and spaces of Te Pokapū Tāone.

Tīrama Mai, powered by Orion and Connectics is the ultimate light festival experience based on Matariki in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Immerse yourself in a stunning display of light and sound that celebrates the Māori New Year and the coming of winter. Reflect on the past, celebrate the present and look forward to the future with your whānau, while exploring a range of lighting installations, projections and illuminated artworks. Bring your friends and whānau to experience the joy and wonder of Tīrama Mai together. Don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate Matariki and the beauty of light with us. Whakapapa - the genealogy that connects all things - is at the heart of Matariki, accounting for the way in which all things have been created, including the stars, earth, sky, oceans, rivers, elements, minerals, plants, animals and all people.

Together with tamariki, our Fairytale Adventures will be putting on two special performances during the July school holidays, based on the tale of the nine sisters of Matariki. Bring your little astronauts and join them as they explore their space station on the moon at Capital E’s SpaceHQ. Suitable for ages 3-8. There is another session on Saturday 1 July.

During Matariki 2023: A photographic exploration inside the changing Christchurch Red-zone area's featuring the unique Ti Kouka (Cabbage tree). This exhibition offers an opportunity for quiet reflection; to explore the 1000 hectares of abandoned suburbs in east Christchurch as it gradually re-grows into natural environment. It is a little about loss, but more about the potential as a future taonga(valued place). “I endeavor to illustrate how special these places will be, especially in context to our city and the Port Hills” An integral aspect of the work is the inclusion of a Ti Kouka (Cabbage tree) in every image. Their ability to re-grow from trauma, suggests a metaphor, as the Ti Kouka regrow and thrive in these places. An exhibition of 30 finely crafted, photographic giclee prints; each with its own story - for 1 week only (8 July to 14 July)

Matariki wānanga 8 July Hei Marae Umu Kohukohu Whetū 9 July on Te Rae o Pāpāmoa 6am

Tamariki can make music in Capital E’s MediaLab for Matariki with Perry Hyde who led Magnifying the Microverse! Explore the sounds of the nine stars of Matariki and create a New Years anthem or a song of a star using natural and unnatural sounds! 9am - 2pm Suitable for ages 9-12 There is another session on Thursday 13 July.

Ka puta Matariki ka rere Whānui. Matariki reappears, Whānui starts its flight. Ko te tohu tēnā o te tau e! The new year begins. The Matariki star cluster appears in our morning sky in midwinter, not long after the winter solstice. It signals the beginning of the transition to spring and eventually to summer. To many iwi, the rising of Matariki signifies the Māori New Year. Join us and our friends from the Wellington Astronomical Society at Space Place for a morning of stargazing and a live Mānawatia-ā-Matariki planetarium show to celebrate Puanga ki Matariki. Come along and learn about the significance of this time of year to Mana Whenua, reflect upon the year gone, and look ahead to the new year.  Kai includes: porridge with toppings, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and Kawakawa tea. Booking is essential. Tickets: Adults $5 Tamariki under 16 FREE Book now ➡ https://bit.ly/3N59gAF

Gathering to mark the opening of the Matariki Festival 2023, we invite you to join us for fire, karakia, and kai. The wishes, hopes, and prayers that have been tied to Penny Howard’s whai installation by visitors to the group exhibition 'Ngā Whetū' will be collected for a special dawn ceremony, followed by light refreshments. During the time when the Matariki cluster is visible in the sky, we will burn all the gathered wishes, sending them up to Hiwa-i-te-Rangi to be granted as part of this morning ceremony.

A wananga to learn how to sew a fabric picture, that represents what is important for them during matariki.

Join us in SpaceHQ, where your little ones can learn about the stars of Matariki, how to weave, and create their own paper constellation to take home! Drop-in session. Suitable for ages 3-5. There is another session on Wednesday 5 July.

To celebrate Matariki, we’re inviting kids to come along to one of Wellington’s most beautiful buildings to create hanging starry mobiles. Children will also learn about the importance of this date, some valuable kupu, and how to identify te iwa o Matariki in the sky, all while devising and cutting their mobile of stars to hang in their favourite nook at home. This fun school holiday programme follows other popular workshops held at the property, and offers a tranquil space (for child and guardian alike!) in which to make unique pieces of art, this time for a very special date in Aotearoa’s calendar. For ages 5 to 12. Please note, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. $10 per child. Tickets are available at Eventbrite. Spaces are limited, so hurry and book today.

Hear from Victoria Campbell (Kāi Tahu) about the renaissance of tātai aroraki (Māori astronomy) through Matariki, the cluster of stars that marks the Māori New Year. Campbell works for Te Rūnanga o Moeraki and has become a leading source for this mātauraka after years of studying, teaching, and practicing tātai aroraki (astronomical knowledge).

Begin the Matariki New Year with a Hautapu ceremony that will take place on the first day of the Tangaroa moon with he umu kohukohu whetu, a steamy star oven. Join us in the remembrance and understanding of the Hautapu ceremony through karakia, kōrero, waiata and kai. View the Matariki constellation and learn more through local kaikōrero speakers and their knowledge of the stars. Hot soup will be available to warm you up from the inside, while your Matariki cup is filled. A bus will be available for those who would like a ride over the hill to Ōhope for the Hautapu. The bus will arrive at Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi (49 Kākāhoroa Drive, Whakatāne) at 4.45am and depart for the Surf Life Saving Club at 5am sharp. Please email library@whakatane.govt.nz to reserve a seat.

Wellington City Council invites you to Matariki Ahi Kā, from Thursday 13 - Sunday 17 July, to celebrate the Māori New Year in a uniquely Wellington way. Enjoy a spectacular, free, whānau-friendly experience, including Mana Moana Pōneke. Share kai with friends and whānau each evening at the Odlins Plaza kai court, while listening to performers on the Aroha stage. Honour our culture and history, with a big, bold, immersive Wellington Waterfront walk-through journey including large-scale projections, fire, and performances in multiple locations.

Join Space Place in welcoming the Māori New Year with whānau-friendly activities, and kai. Your tickets include: 🌟 Access to the epic space science museum 🌟 Live Matariki star talks 🌟 Telescope viewings (weather permitting) 🌟 Tamariki activities 🌟 Kapa Haka and musical performances Gain a new perspective of our southern skies with telescope viewings (weather permitting). Tamariki will learn more about the star cluster through activity booklets, all while looking fabulous with professional facepainting. Watch incredible performances by Wellington High School’s Kapa Haka group and talented rangatahi from Virtuoso Strings. Refuel with delicious kai from a local food truck. We can’t wait to celebrate the Māori new year with you! Tickets:  Adults $15 Children aged 4 – 16 $2 Children under 3 FREE Note: Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult  Book now ➡ https://bit.ly/461brhh

This is our Annual Art Awards for Tribal Descendants of the Tauranga Moana Region. We present you to a night of excellence, entertainment, and community, with a creative line–up of international calibre as we bestow these Awards. We hope you will join us in honouring the significant achievements of a remarkable group that are deserving of acclamation.

Star Glaze, launched by Ōtaki Pottery Club and coinciding with Ōtaki-Māori Racing Club race day on Matariki Day, received a positive response from the community during the Matariki weekend in 2022 creating a unique festival feel where art and sport merged. The event provided a platform for emerging ceramists to showcase their work. Based on its success, the club aims to deepen the exploration of Matariki's significance through the festival. Star Glaze extends a warm invitation to embrace the spirit of Matariki, to admire the artwork whilst witnessing the graceful gallop of the horses, or even to unleash your creativity by crafting your very own star. Star Glaze invites everyone to come together and celebrate Matariki for an unforgettable festival experience.

A community event that begins with 5am hīkoi up maunga Waitangi (Waiouru) to observe the stars rising, from the east, with maunga Ruapehu to the left. Following that are 5 activity stations at the local marae led by community facilitators who have taken the time to rangahau activities that can engage whānau with knowledge, fun facts, and experiences related to the Matariki and Puanga star clusters. The day will be concluded with a community hākari and entertainment.

Observing Matariki in the early morning sky, ceremonial karakia from Mana Whenua, waiata and hot soup

Gather around the seven fires on the beach as a storyteller shares tales of old. Waka maimai aroha (lantern) hīkoi. Write a message of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude on a lantern and launch into Manga Pacific 50 metre long fountain or lagoon. One free lantern per family. Biodegradable. Entertainment, kai stalls & free parking.

Pre-dawn karakia ceremony around seven fires on the beach to observe the stars, call the names of those who passed and make a food offering to the Matariki star cluster. All are are welcome to send the full name of a loved one who passed since the last Matariki, to be called aloud in the pre-dawn ceremony. Hākari served for all. Organised by Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc, Napier City Council, Mana Ahuriri & Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui a Orotu.

TUIA – MATARIKI 2023 – Discover yourself to find your Future. Thursday 13th July 2023, at Feilding High School Kia Papa Te Tū, Kia Rangi Te Tiro – Cast your vision towards the sky to realise your potential. ACTIVITIES & WORKSHOPS 2:30pm - 4:30pm Hanga Poi - Poi Making Tītītōrea - Decorating sticks used for a traditional Māori stick game. Mahi Whakatō – Pot Planting Vegetables and Flax Hanga Rātana - Remembrance Lanterns Mahi Toi - Kōwhaiwhai Panels Rongoā – Traditional Māori Medicine 2:30pm - 4:00pm Tā Moko – Tattoo 2.30pm – 4pm Mirimiri / Romiromi -Traditional Māori Massage 4pm – 8pm Pop up tents from different local organisations will be there to discover and have a friendly chat. Snack food and drinks will be available to purchase. CONCERT 5.30pm - 8pm Performances from Local Musical Talent, Local Kapa Haka and additional fun entertainment for your enjoyment. Kai will be for sale, traditional Hāngī and a sausage sizzle. Cash Sales ONLY will be available at this event. TUIA is proudly bought to you by The TUIA Alliance | Manawatū Community Hub Library, Ngā Kaitiaki o Ngāti Kauwhata and Whānau Ātaahua – Beautiful Families Trust.

Kia hiwa ra, kia hiwa ra! The Arts Village presents "Te Pō Kitakita - A Matariki Celebration" This is our second year of delivery and we have an even bigger night planned than last year. What to expect: - Musicians and kapa haka - Toi Māori - Learn the meaning of each whetu (star) - Free art activities, all materials provided - Hot chocolates for the kids (limited numbers) - Join in on a mural and much, much more!

Mānawatia a Matariki / Celebrate Matariki! In 2023 we come together to celebrate Matariki with an inspiring night of musical fusion. Troy Kingi (Te Arawa, Ngāpuhi, Te Whānau a Apanui), winner of the 2022 Silver Scroll, is one of our most dynamic and popular singer-songwriters. With a mission to release 10 albums in 10 years, he is a diverse musical genius – comfortable singing pop, funk, disco, rock and everything in between. Expect the unexpected as Kingi and the APO perform a wide-ranging setlist from Kingi’s eclectic catalogue. With lush orchestral arrangements by composer Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper, this will be an amazing night of creativity and collaboration.

TSB Festival of Lights: Winter Pop-Up is running from Thursday 13 July - Sunday 16 July for four evenings of light installations and a range of entertainment over the Matariki long weekend. Lights on each night from 5pm - 10pm. Located in New Plymouth's CBD, illuminating light installations and whānau friendly entertainment will be spread across spaces near Huatoki Plaza, Puke Ariki Landing, Ariki Street and the Coastal Walkway.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi decided to hold the Matariki Whakapiri event annually so that we can continue to showcase the knowledge, talents, and skills within our Mataatua rohe and celebrate Matariki together. A festival enjoyed by Ngāti Awa and the community.

Celebrate Matariki with Te Puna Ora o Mataatua at our Matariki Celebration Thursday, July 13th from 4.45am at the Whakatāne Surf Lifesaving Club in Ōhope. Learn about Matariki, and celebrate the New Year. Traditional karakia and hautapu (food offering to the stars), with free kai, coffee and bonfires. Registrations are a must, visit: https://bit.ly/matariki-2023

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Matariki with your whānau? Join us for our Matariki Family Day on Friday the 14th of July at City Gallery Wellington! Join us from, 11am to 4pm for a range of creative activities and experiences the whole whānau can get in on.

On this significant day of Matariki and the inauguration of Te Wānanga Taiao at Pūkaha on the 14th of July, Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre will only be open to the Public from 1.30pm, with gold coin entry. We are thrilled to also offer three exclusive self-guided viewing opportunities of our new facility. Te Wānanga Taiao will be open to the public for three, 1 hour long self-guided viewing sessions: • 1:30 pm • 2:30 pm • and 3:30 pm respectively. The public will get the opportunity to explore Te Wānanga Taiao and all its facilities, the whare kai, the accommodation centre and the wharenui, which has special significance to Mana Whenua, Rangitāne o Wairarapa and Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-ā-Rua. Carvings crafted by Pūkaha National Wildlife’s onsite carvers adorn the wharenui. Visitors on a self-guided Te Wānanga Taiao viewing experience can look to get wowed as they immerse themselves in kōrero (stories), told by local volunteer guides, who will be stationed in various rooms and buildings of Te Wānanga Taiao Spaces for these viewings are limited to 30 people & 'first in, first served', enhancing the intimacy and depth of the experience. This is your chance to witness first-hand the culmination of our conservation efforts and dedication to environmental education. Make sure you visit us early to secure your place early and join us in celebrating this milestone on a day of cultural and environmental significance. Gold coin entry, with all proceeds contributing directly to our ongoing preservation work.

Matariki – a time to come together with others to celebrate and reflect on the changing of the year. In celebration of Matariki, learn to create a rourou basket from local Kai Tahu multimedia artist and weaver Amber Bridgman. You’ll be guided through creating this beginner’s level basket which is often used for holding food. This session will introduce you to how to care for and prepare harakeke and will increase your appreciation of harakeke and mahi raraka. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have created a rourou to take home and hold the kai for your celebrations. All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own tools if you prefer. Please don’t bring your own harakeke. Although suitable for ages 10 and over, this workshop is designed for adults. All child participants must be accompanied by a guardian who is actively participating in the workshop with them.

- 5am - Hautapu - 10am-2pm Matariki Markets - 10am-2pm Workshops: Rongoā, storytelling, taonga puoro, poi, mahi toi, waiata - 2pm - 4pm Hikari Karaoke, Zorb Balls, Bouncy Castles, Ki-o-Rahi, Guest speakers, Lots of fun giveaways.

Matariki Celebrations Wānaka - Proudly Presented by Kahu Youth ✨Join us for an unforgettable Matariki experience at the Dinosaur Park on Friday, 14th July, starting 2pm! ✨Immerse yourself in the spirit of Matariki and enjoy... captivating kapa haka performances fun free activities for tamariki and rangatahi storytelling of local Māori history and legends (pūrākau) our delicious hāngī (from 5pm) gathering around our firepit with friends spectacular light displays This whānau-friendly event is open to all ages, there is something for everyone. Put it in your diary - see you there! Please note there will be no fireworks at this year’s celebration. This decision was made based on the kaupapa (principles) of Matariki prepared by the Matariki Advisory Committee as well as community feedback.

Friday 14th July Part 1: Hautapu ceremony 7am Tolaga Bay beach followed by breakfast. Part 2: music festival featuring Tuari brothers, Chad Chambers and Three Houses down. 11-2pm Find us on Facebook or phone 0211603312

In partnership with Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki and Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, the Dunedin City Council and Tūhura Otago Museum welcome everyone to a public event to celebrate the Māori new year. Join us on the Tūhura Otago Museum Reserve just before dawn for a karakia to farewell the past year and welcome the new one. The event will include a whakamaumahara to remember those who have passed away, and a whakamāramataka about the stars and their significance for the changing season.  The maramataka (lunar calendar) measures time based on the movement of celestial bodies in Aotearoa’s skies. For iwi, the rising of the star Puaka and the Matariki cluster in the midwinter sky just before sunrise signals the end of one full cycle of the seasons and the beginning of the next. Following the dawn event, gather together for some kai before a day of fun and activities from 9am. Puaka kai rau, Matariki ahuka nui  Nau mai, haere mai. Everyone is welcome.

Kua tae mai te Taiopenga Kiriata Māori o Te Wairoa ki Te Papa. Mātakitia mai ngā kiriata e pā ana ki te whetū e taki nei i ō tātou mate. Tāria ka pāhotia te hōtaka. Wairoa Māori Film Festival comes to Te Papa! Enjoy an array of films guided by the star connected to those who have passed on.

Rākeitia te anga whakaahua, ka tāpiritia te pikitia o tētahi tau kua riro, kia noho piri tonu ai. Decorate a photo frame and place an image of a loved one inside, keeping them with you always.

Mau rākau is a traditional Māori variety of weapons-based martial art. Perhaps the most iconic traditional weapon is the taiaha, as held by the rangatira on the New Zealand coat of arms. Join us for a demonstration of this celebrated taonga and witness its incredible forms, footwork, speed, and power.

The brilliant and accomplished Tenaya Brown (Te Aitanga a Hauiti) is well known around Ōtepoti for her beautiful voice, and we are thrilled to have her performing waiata Māori at the Museum this Matariki.

Create your own set of poi using common materials you can find at home. Poi have been an icon of Māori culture for centuries and have long been used to increase strength and flexibility, both in toi whakaari and just for the simple joy of it. Poi has also gained great momentum as a form of therapeutic exercise, promoting low-impact flexibility, grip strength, mental stimulation, and of course, fun. This workshop is $5 and includes all materials needed to make your very own set of poi.

Join Kiri Parata for this fun, hands-on session of tītī tōrea, where you’ll learn a waiata and keep the rhythm with short sticks, or tī rākau. This traditional Māori game has been played for countless generations, improving timing, dexterity, and strength, fostering teamwork, and simply being a great time. It’s timeless fun for everyone.

Settle onto a beanbag with your whānau in our comfy nook under the stars and hear a selection of beautiful children's stories.

Join Lucy Smith, a local kairaranga (weaver), as she guides you through the process of weaving a small, basic kete. This will be an A4-sized, two-cornered kete that you can keep a taoka (treasure) in. The workshop will take approximately two hours. Please note you will be put into groups, and this workshop will focus on learning how to weave. One kete is made per group. All materials are provided, and you will be working with traditional, natural resources. Suitable for people with some weaving ability, for ages 14 and over. 10am – 12pm, Friday 14 July, Saturday 15 July, Sunday 16 July

We are very excited to have Dr Jennifer Cattermole to guide us and play a variety of taoka pūoro (traditional Māori instruments). At this Show and Tell, you'll be able to learn about different types of instruments, their whakapapa, uses, and meanings. Jennifer will also help you discover how to play instruments crafted from things found in the natural environment. Jennifer is a maker, educator, and experienced player of taoka pūoro. She is one of Aotearoa's leading ethnomusicologists, and young and old will love this fascinating Matariki talk.

Come and join us for some special Matariki-themed crafts with all materials provided. Make and decorate a pūrerehua (a bullroarer), a traditional Māori instrument that makes an atmospheric roaring sound when swung through the air, or decorate your own lantern to celebrate Māori New Year and welcome in the light as a sign of hope and prosperity for the year to come. Artist Gabby Malpas has designed this unique lantern that can be used with tealight candles to celebrate the dawn of a new year. There are fantastic, free resources and instructions on how to create something wonderful. Bring your whānau and celebrate Matariki with us.

In partnership with Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki and Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, the Dunedin City Council and Tūhura Otago Museum welcome everyone to a public event to celebrate the Māori new year. Join us on the Tūhura Otago Museum Reserve just before dawn for a karakia to farewell the past year and welcome the new one. The event will include a whakamaumahara to remember those who have passed away, and a whakamāramataka about the stars and their significance for the changing season.  Following the dawn event, gather together for some kai before a kapa haka performance by He Waka Kōtuia, then a day of fun and activities from 9am. Puaka kai rau, Matariki ahuka nui  Nau mai, haere mai. Everyone is welcome.

Explore Māori sky lore and legends relating to the southern night sky in this planetarium show. Narrated in English, it tells the story of the Polynesian explorers who navigated across the ocean to Aotearoa New Zealand, highlighting our most significant astronomical features. Restricted to ages 3 and up. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. 10.30am and 12.30pm, Friday 14 July 1.30pm and 3.30pm Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 July

The Arts Village is proud to present and invite you to attend the opening of "Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea" a collaboration of works by Erena Koopu and Maisey Rika. Opening Matariki night 14th July 2023, The Arts Village at 6pm. Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea made its debut at the Tairawhiti Arts festival in 2020. This is a body of work created by painter Erena Koopu in response to singer, song writer Maisey Rika’s album also titled Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea. Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea, both the paintings and the album, celebrates the ancient stories and kaupapa of Matariki, and each of its stars. Inspired by the enlightening kōrero tuku iho about Matariki from Māori Astronomer Dr Rangi Matamua, the works have been lovingly created for our tamariki as waiata and visual resource adding to the Kete Mātauranga Māori for our future generations. In this collaboration Erena has created a piece of work inspired by each song on Maisey’s latest album. The album has 9 songs therefore there are 9 works, plus a bonus track-Rehua!

The Matariki Festival connects communities across Tāmaki Makaurau with Matariki-specific events, mana whenua identity and te ao Māori heritage and culture. This year, one of the festival’s three significant pou events is the Umu Kohukohu Whetū, led by our partner Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei on their whenua Takaparawhau. The Umu Kohukohu Whetū involves lighting umu (earth ovens) before sunrise and welcoming the Māori new year with food offerings to the Matariki cluster. Karakia as well as umu are integral to the ceremony ‘whāngai i te hau tapu’, acknowledging Matariki. Join us for this early-morning celebration and experience Hau Tapu first hand.

View the Matariki and/or Puanga star constellations with telescopes, with compliments of the Planetarium. Afforested Roof open to the public. Free entry to the new Wairau Māori Art Gallery exhibition from Lisa Reihana: He Wai Ngunguru, Nomads of the Sea Creative corners workshop; art making stations & Matariki story corner in the Activity Centre.

The Matariki Festival Day is a full, immersive celebration and recognition of Matariki. The one-day event combines various art and cultural formats, including waiata, kapa haka, kiriata (movies), Māori gaming experts, indigenous craft and kai, Māori designers and Māori food trucks, and includes an acknowledgment to renowned writer Witi Ihimaera and Matariki experts. Join us at the Hōro ā-Tāone o Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland Town Hall for this free, family-friendly festival day. Matariki Festival Day is supported by Auckland Live, Vector Lights and flava.

A collaborative musical performance presented with the kaupapa of Matariki in mind. Join Delaney Davidson, Kommi Tamati-Elliffe, Heather Webb, Mark Perkins and Taipua Adams in an unforgettable journey from Te Ao Pō to Te Ao Marama. From the dark to the light. Loss. Grief. Despair. Anger. Momentum. Looking for a way. Setting course for the coming times. Summary. Letting go. Holding on. Preparation. Love. Magic. Evil. Grounding. Prediction. Loneliness. Whānau.

Nau mai, haere mai!! Come together for our Māwhera Greymouth community Matariki celebration! Rugby, kai food trucks, waiata, kōrero storytelling, crafts, music by KVH, ahi fire and whētu stars

The waterfront will be buzzing with music, story-tellers and kapa haka from 4pm. Paihia Village Green will have delicious street food offerings plus arts, crafts and music. The special Puanga Matariki display starts at 7pm and will last approximately 20minutes. You will hear our story, written and narrated by Ngati Kawa Taituha and Heeni Hoterene, with beautiful taonga puoro and waiata. The waka, light and fireworks are choreographed to this narration.

Kai, entertainment, remembrance and fireworks

This year’s event, at the Trafalgar Centre and Rutherford Park, will kick-off with Taka Kara Tīpuna, the Regional Secondary School Kapa Haka Competitions from 9am – 3pm. Tickets can be purchased form Eventbrite. The Matariki Market will open from 5pm – 9pm, offering a diverse range of food as well as Māori arts and crafts for sale. Performances by special guests Maaka Fiso, Awhimai Fraser and the Modern Māori Quartet and more will begin at 5pm and finish at 9pm. Koha will be collected on entry to the evening's entertainment, and will be donated to a local charity.

Celebrate Matariki surrounded by Toi Maori, light installations and storytelling in the beautiful Queens Park with all your whanau and friends. Extra entertainment on stage and kai stalls on Friday and Saturday nights. Purchase tickets online at https://www.trybooking.co.nz/MYW

Nau mai haere mai to a family friendly all ages evening of kai and connection to celebrate Matariki! What to expect: We hope you're hungry because there's a hāngī! Don't be afraid to pitch in to help - grab a shovel or set the table. He waka eke noa! After kai, join DOC rangers on a walk through the forest and Punanga Manu o Te Anau/ Te Anau Bird Sanctuary. What can you hear? What can you smell? Sharpen your senses and discover the forest at night! To finish, gather round for a special Matariki story time with hot drinks and biscuits.

Matariki Arrowtown Lights is a one day cultural event to remember, on Friday 14th July, in the heart of Arrowtown (known by tāngata whenua as Kā-Muriwai). Join us for the second year, that will once again showcase a stunning display of visual storytelling and light displayed projections down Buckingham Street. The afternoon will be opened with a mihi (welcome) followed by a karakia and songs by Waiatatia group, followed by performances by local kapa haka primary and high schools and back by popular demand is Professor Brian Boyle, the world’s pre-eminent astrophysicist sharing the wonders of the Otago night skies. New this year will be extra kai/food stalls and fire pits to be able to gather and share stories, telling pakiwaitara over kai. Matariki Arrowtown Lights 2023 will be a koha/gold coin donation event for all ages.

View the Matariki constellation with us on Friday 14 July from 6:15 am (please note that timings are subject to change). We will have a Matariki star viewing at the top of Greengates chair on Broughs Lane. The event will be a celebration of the Matariki holiday with Darren Rewi and will also include an interpretation by astronomy expert, Bryan Boyle, Chair of the Winterstellar Charitable Trust. There will be a Karakia and a discussion about the importance/context of Matariki to Māori culture. Croissants will be provided and early lift access via Greengates. Participants need to be able to ski down from the top of Greengates in the dawn timeframe with torches/headlamps. This event is weather dependent. Bookings will close Thursday July 13th.

Māruawai Matariki Celebration is a Gore and Districts community wide event, free for all to come together an celebrate Matariki. In this whānau friendly event tamariki (children) and rangitahi (young people) share their talents with us through kapa haka, dance and bands. It culminates with a massive fireworks display. This event is organised for you through the efforts of our local Hokonui Rūnanga, Gore Kids Hub, Lower Mataura Valley Community of Learning Kāhui Ako, Pomāhaka Community of Learning Kāhui Ako and the Gore Community of Learning Kāhui Ako. Vendors will be there for the purchase of a wide variety of food items. As well as the performances there are activities for the children.

Celebrate the dawn rising of Matariki under the cloak of the world's largest gold dark sky reserve with Matariki Ahuka Nui – a guided Matariki Observation on Takapō lakefront. Join renowned Māori astronomer Victoria Campbell as she introduces you to, and observes, Matariki from a Te Ao Māori perspective. Following the observation we encourage you to gather with whānau to enjoy kai and time together. Kaihaukai (feasting) is an important part of Matariki. Please dress warmly and to the conditions on the day. The lakefront is uneven and, in the dark, can be challenging to see. We recommend bringing a low torch or using your phone.

This event provides an opportunity for the Kawerau community to come together to look at the stars from the hilltop in Kawerau, known as Opunoke or Monika Lanham Reserve. This event will provide the community an opportunity to experience a Hautapu and Umu kohukohu in remembrance of loved ones past , to celebrate our present and to consider pathways for the future. They will get to star gaze, share and listen to different stories from local tohunga and cultural practitioners on the significance of Ngā Kāhui o Matariki and how we can apply this knowledge to our everyday lives. Following the formal ceremony, all are invited to the Kawerau Concert Chambers for a light breakfast and time for reflection and kōrero.

Purapura Whetū - Stars of Matariki is a partnership between TVNZ and TikTok to bring together the country’s biggest and brightest musical stars for a spectacular night of waiata in this epic live music event. With stellar vocal performances and kōrero from multi-award-winning artist and kaihaka Stan Walker, singer songwriter Paige, soulful Kenyan-Kiwi musician Muroki, reo korokī (songstress) Jordyn With A Why, sensational vocalist Seth Haapu and the spell-binding Makayla Purcell-Mainini, the ground-breaking digital event celebrates Matariki through the power of music, with artists performing in both English and te reo Māori. Hosted by singer, composer and Kapa Haka superstar Pere Wihongi (who will also perform) and media personality Alex King, the 90-minute event marks the second collaboration between TVNZ, TikTok, APRA and Te Māngai Pāho for a not-to-be-missed night of incredible music.

Ōtautahi mark this one in the calendars! GCM is BACK this July to celebrate Matariki- Māori New Year! ? Join us at the Milton Street Substation on the 14th & 15th of July to support over 60 local Christchurch small businesses and craftspeople! We are excited to offer the following: ✨A chance to support Māori artists and craftspeople, as well as over 60 local stall holders ✨Face painting & Characters for the kids (or big kids!) ✨Photo Booth ✨A bar offering alcoholic beverages such as mulled wine, ciders and non-alcoholic beverages ✨Yummy food trucks ✨A look through a newly refurbished historical building, special to Christchurch ✨+ much more!

Celebrate the Māori New Year with whānau and friends here in Palmerston North. Get among the fun festivities that we have planned and learn about Puanga! Following last year’s successful event, this year’s festival will be even bigger and better, taking place at the Central Energy Trust Arena’s Pit Lane. This family-friendly festival will have live performances from start to finish, including kapa haka, sets by local artists, and a headlining performance by Wellington collective, Toi. There will be an abundance of food and retail stalls, plenty of activities for the kids, and we’ll also have a spectacular LED lighting display of the Matariki constellation and Puanga star which you can walk through. Puanga is a time for celebration, reflection and unity. Join us as we honour the traditions of the Māori new year and create lasting memories with friends and whānau.

Join Wellington Storyteller Moira Wairama as she performs a special storytelling session as part of Matariki. She will reveal some of the meaning and interpretation of Matariki and the actions that we can take at this very special time of the year. Suitable for ages 2-6.

Nau mai rā, we welcome locals to visit our showcase southern enclosure Te Tūī a Tāne for a gold coin donation koha, on Saturday 15th July 2023. As part of Matariki celebrations, we invite our Waikato whānau, our extended family, to share the mana and mauri (prestige and life force) of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. If you haven’t visited before, you’ll be amazed at the sounds of the forest and the biodiversity over 5 km of wide, metaled walking tracks. Our sanctuary is accessible to active walkers (stroller friendly) and there are seats along the way for watchful resting. Bookings are essential with valid ID and address required at check-in. There are limited spaces with 3 sessions (9-11am, 11am-1pm or 1-3pm) and 100 passes available per session.

Ignite your senses and celebrate the magic of Matariki with Discover Waitomo, hosted at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves! Join us for our exclusive Matariki Twilight Tours from 4 pm onwards on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16. Embark on a journey that intertwines culture, nature, and celestial beauty. Let the glowworms and the stars above guide you on a journey of discovery and inspiration. Book your tickets early at discoverwaitomo.com and create unforgettable memories under the shimmering light of Matariki.

Rongomaraeroa, Level 4, 11.30am-12.15pm Nau mai rā ki ngā whakatangi puoro a te tokorua hoa rangatira nei, a Charles (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Te Ata, Te Ari Awamutu) rāua ko Emily Looker. Kei te tokorua nei te ihi o te mana o te reo me te puoro, ki te tuku i ngā kōrero hei whakamahara i a tātou ki te tuakiritanga ahurea. Whakarongo mai ki ngā kauwhau mā te whānau, i tā rāua tuku i ngā kohinga waiata e whakanui nei i te taiao huri noa. E rongonui ana rāua mō ngā tūmomo kauwhau e kawe ana i te puoro arotini, i te manawa apakura, i te puoro hihiko, i te puoro tautito, me te whakakotahi mai i ngā reo, i ngā taonga puoro me ngā pātere e tiro ana ki ngā ariā o te kaitiakitanga, me te manaakitanga – arā, te manaaki i a tātou anō me tō tātou hononga ki te taiao. I uru atu te tokorua nei ki ngā whiringa toa mō te Tohu Maioha ki Kaitito Kaiaka (2019), ki ērā o te Tohu Waiata Tamariki o APRA mō tā rāua waiata, mō Korimako (2020), me ngā whiringa toa mō te Tino Rōpū Māori ki Ngā Tohu Puoro Waiata Māori (2022) . Come along and experience the sounds of husband and wife duo, Charles (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Te Ata, Te Ari Awamutu) and Emily Looker. The pair share a passion for the power of language and music to tell stories and remind us of our cultural identity. Enjoy the storytelling whānau performance as they present a collection of waiata celebrating the natural world that surrounds us. Becoming well known for their multi-genre offering of storytelling, they bring a pop, RnB, electronic and jazz feel, fusing vocals, tāonga puoro and chants, that explore the ideas of kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga - looking after ourselves, looking after each other and our connection to the environment. The duo were finalists for the Maioha Award at the Silver Scrolls (2019), APRA Best Children's Song Award for their song Korimako (2020) and Best Māori Group at the Waiata Māori Music Awards (2022). Aro,2021. Photo by Oscar Keys, courtesy of Aro.

Soundings Theatre, Level 2, All day He whakawhitinga whakaaro ki ngā Māori autaia o te taiao i te taha tonu o ngā kohinga taonga o Te Papa. Tūhono mai ki ēnei ringarehe, i a rātou ka kōrero mō ngā tūmomo mahi o te rerenga rauropi, o te whakaora i ngā kūkūwai, me ētahi atu āhuatanga. Tirohia ngā taonga i ō mātou kohinga e tūhono nei ki ēnei kōrero. Tāria ka pāhōtia ngā kaikōrero. A conversation with Māori environmental champions, featuring taonga from Te Papa collections. Join these practitioners as they kōrero about their work in various fields including biodiversity, wetland restoration, and more. View taonga from our collections that are connected to these kōrero Franz Josef Glacier, 2017. Photo by Cassie Matias / Unsplash

Communal fires set among 18 large pou carvings as a storyteller shares tales of old. Kai trucks on site.

Celebrate Matariki in the new heart of our town, Te Ātea. Learn about Matariki with story-telling, waiata and kapa haka performance from The Haka Shop. If the weather is wet or windy, the event will be held in Taupō Museum.

Take part in a new Matariki night tradition on the Saturday of the Matariki public holiday weekend. We are lighting fires along the NapierNapier/Hastings shoreline from Cape Kidnappers to Tāngoio. Join in by lighting a fire on the beach on Saturday July 15 from 5pm. Called Matariki Mahuika in honour of the Goddess of Fire, the project has won the OK from Fire and Emergency New Zealand and local councils. Matariki Mahuika is a ‘people-powered’ DIY kind of event, so not a case of ‘organised’ fires, but rather encouraging people to head to the beach on July 15, take their fish and chips, marshmallows, guitar . . . light their fire, welcome people in and put their fire out before they go. People are encouraged to register their intention to take part by emailing matchfitnz@gmail.com so they can be advised on best practice and potentially alerted to a postponement - in consultation with FENZ - if weather was adverse. The postponement date is July 22. Safety advice: www.Checkitsalright.nz www.matariki.events

Whakaritea mai he hākari – hei whāngai i ēnei o ngā whetū e tūhono ana ki te kai. Hangaia mai āu ake kāri whakaahua, hei whakahoki atu māu, kia ako tonu ai ki ngā kupu Māori mō te taiao. Build your own miniature hākari, a kai display for a feast, celebrating Tipuānuku and Tipuārangi. Make a set of flashcards to take home that will help you learn kupu Māori about te taiao Māori. Photo credit- Te Papa

Avebury House, Richmond Community Garden and Avon-Ōtākaro Network host an accessible, welcoming, winter event highlighting the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor. We will mark Matariki and aspects of Maori Tradition with food, music, activities and a week-long trail lighting display. This July 15th, Matariki in the Zone is back! There will be live music. We'll have activities for kids big and small - wood-carving, flax-weaving, marshmallow-toasting and more! The delicious hāngi will be raised at 4.30pm, with huge thanks to Tuahiwi Marae. It will be served alongside a boil-up, vegetable soup, fried bread, hot chocolate and booze-free mulled wine! As the sun goes down, the lights will come up! It's going to be a brilliant day out - and you're invited! The Light Display will be on for the whole week!

Wellington Foyer, Level 2, 10am-12pm I runga i tō manako ki a Hiwa-i-te-rangi , whakaarotia ō wawata mō tēnei tau, i a koe e mahi ana! Tāraia mai he waka huia ki te pupuri i ngā utanga nui, hangaia rānei he whetū kawe hei whakairi. Inspired by the wishing star Hiwa-i-te-rangi, think about your hopes for the year ahead as you get crafty! Construct a waka huia to store precious things, create a star mobile to hang somewhere special. Matariki Whānau Day, 2022. Photo by Jo Moore.

Mahi toi: Make a wakahuia and whetū mobile Wellington Foyer, Level 2, 10am-12pm I runga i tō manako ki a Hiwa-i-te-rangi , whakaarotia ō wawata mō tēnei tau, i a koe e mahi ana! Tāraia mai he waka huia ki te pupuri i ngā utanga nui, hangaia rānei he whetū kawe hei whakairi. Inspired by the wishing star Hiwa-i-te-rangi, think about your hopes for the year ahead as you get crafty! Construct a waka huia to store precious things, create a star mobile to hang somewhere special. Whakangahau: HINA Rongomaraeroa, Level 4, 12pm-1pm Tūhono mai ki tēnei o ngā ngahau a HINA (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga). E mōhiotia ana ia hei tohunga puoro arotini, puoro wairua hoki. Ko āna tatangi he mea whakaara hou hei whakanui i te aranga ake o Matariki ki Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Ko tōna ingoa ka hoki anō ki te atua o te marama puta noa i Poronīhia, kāti, he kaihautū, he kaiwhakatangi puoro takitini a HINA nō Aotearoa. I whāngaia ia ki te puoro mai noa i a ia e tamariki ana. E ai ki te kōrero, anō nei tōna oro “he tiakarete arotini mō tamaroto”. Ka pāhō āna tatangi ki te ātea o Rongomaraeroa, ā, ko ngā kaipuoro o Tāmaki Makaurau ngā oro niko kei runga i te piana, i te whiranui, i te kutā. Nau mai rā i te awatea ki tēnei wheako puoro, kei mahue rā koe. Tūhono mai ki ngā whakamānawa i a Hiwaiterangi, te whetū manako o te tau. Join us for a daytime concert with HINA (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga). Known as a gifted pop and neo-soul music artist, she brings us a freshly reimagined sound to herald the rise of Matariki in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara. Sharing her name with a deity of the moon known throughout Polynesia, HINA is a producer and multi-instrumentalist from New Zealand. Raised from a young age on an eclectic musical diet, with a sound described as "neo-pop chocolate for the soul.” Bringing her ethereal melodies to the stage on Rongomareroa, accompanied by musicians from Tāmaki Makaurau with the harmonies of piano, cello, and acoustic guitar, come along to a daytime musical experience that is not to be missed. Join us in celebration of Hiwa-i-te-rangi, our wishing star, for prosperity and success for the year ahead. HINA, 2022. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Whakatata mai rā! Whakarongo mai ki ngā māramatanga me ngā manako o ngā kaipanoni rangatahi. Ka kawe mai nei tēnei wāhanga i ngā kohinga kaikōrero o Aotearoa whānui e tuari nei ō rātou moemoeā me ō rātou tohutohu mō te anamata. Tāria ka pāhōtia ngā kaikōrero. Whakatata mai rā! Hear the insights and aspirations of rangatahi change makers. This session brings together an inspirational collective of speakers from around Aotearoa who will share their hopes and dreams for the future, with poignant messages to take heed of. Speakers to be announced.

Bring the whole whānau to enjoy a showcase of this ancient and living, Māori cultural performing artform featuring local Kapa Haka groups. Come watch and hear these rōpū celebrate being Māori, whānau, tikanga and reo, and join in with a waiata or two and some actions. This is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Visit Waitangi and enjoy a full programme of free guided tours and cultural performances. Explore the two contemporary museums Te Rau Aroha Museum of the Price of Citizenship and Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi, Te Whare Rūnanga, the Treaty House and the traditional Māori waka.

In celebration of Matariki in Tāmaki Makaurau, you’re invited to our Kia Ora Shorts film screening to experience Te Ao Mai Ngā Whatu Māori, the world through a Māori lens. Showing a selection of short films from filmmakers of Māori descent, each story will take you through a rich and soulful journey to offer a nuanced connection with the world we all share. Join us as we embark on the waka of Wairoa Māori Film Festival and journey into Tikanga Māori, recognising whanaungtanga such as manakitanga, wairua and kotahitanga now more than ever. Curated by Leo Koziol, Festival Director of the Wairoa Māori Film Festival. Refreshments are available including seafood chowder and fresh frybread! Doors open at 6:30pm. Image: Still frame from Disrupt by Aroha Awarau (2021), courtesy of Wairoa Māori Film Festival.

Matariki is a special occasion which marks the start of the Māori New Year. Signified by the Matariki cluster of stars reappearing in our night sky, this is a time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present, and plan for the year ahead. We are lucky enough to have Rikki Solomon, Academic & Practioner of Maōri Astronomy, and guest artists James Webster & Marcus Winters coming to Kaikōura to lead our celebration which will be followed by a free community breakfast. Transport will be running between West End carpark and Fyffe House between 5am and 5:30am to minimise traffic and parking congestion on Avoca Street (no booking required) Nau Mai Haere Mai

✨ Mānawatia a Matariki ✨ We're inviting our friends and whānau to join for Matariki in the māra, to be nourished by soil, kōrero, new learnings and local kai. Naturally, we will shine light on the star Tupuānuku, and its relationship to cultivated food. Our activities will include: Kaikōrero (guest speakers) on Maramataka and Matariki; Working bee, fruit tree pruning tutorial; Gardening activities for children (all ages), Seed swap; & Shared kai 🌻

Join us as we mark the closing of the Matariki Festival for a shared feast with whānau and friends. Bring the whole whānau along. Purchase one of our hāngī dinner plates or B.Y.O night-picnic nibbles to enjoy together around the embers. Hāngī is an important tradition and was once, and still is part of community life, sustaining people across time and generations. Don’t forget to bring warm clothes, a picnic blanket, and your guitar! First-in-first-served Hāngī plates $20 on the day. To avoid disappointment pre-purchase for $18 each. To order, call 09 838 4455 | email: info@ceac.org.nz or pop into the main Homestead to pay in person.

Join us in the Gallery with 4 of our Kingii Tuheitia Portraiture Award Finalists, Ngāwini Keelan, Tia Barrett, Ngaroma Riley, and Stevei Houkamau. The Kiingi Tuheitia exhibition is curated to show during Matariki, as a way to honor the ancestors represented in our Gallery. Each artist will speak to their mahi toi (artwork) in the exhibition, gifting us with further insight to their practice, whakapapa, and context of their work. This is a unique opportunity to ask artists directly any questions you have about their artwork. We look forward to having you in the Gallery for this kaupapa. This is a free event.

Our Mānawatia a Puanga Matariki Whānau Event is a two-day celebration of Matariki. Held at Te Ahurea carpark and progressing to Kororipo Pā, this event will include a range of cultural activities, stargazing, hāngī, and a community hikoi to Kirikōkai. The event is anticipated to attract whānau and individuals from around the region, including kaumātua/kuia and people with accessibility needs. Our kaupapa will foster a sense of community, cultural revitalisation, and intergenerational knowledge sharing. By bringing people together to remember and honour their loved ones, celebrate the present, and look to the future, it will strengthen the bonds within the community.

Explore fairy light walkways, drawing inspiration from the nine stars of Matariki to celebrate the harvest; give thanks for our kai; remember loved ones who passed since last Matariki; and make a special wish for the future. 9pm Pahū Ahi (Fireworks) Taniwha Street closed for people only 5pm to 10pm.

Celebrate with us at 'Matariki Night Glow': A Stellar Community Event! Get ready for an enchanting evening under the celestial canopy as we come together to celebrate Matariki, the Māori New Year. Foxtail Events is proud to present Matariki Night Glow, a community event that promises an extraordinary fusion of cultural experiences, delicious cuisine, engaging activities, and stargazing wonders. Matariki Night Glow is not only a celebration of community, but also a platform for local schools, performers, artists, musicians, crafters and foodies to showcase their talents and wares, and embrace the cultural heritage of Aotearoa. The overall experience will create lasting memories for everyone involved. Join us on Saturday, 22 July 2023 in the Karori Town Centre, Wellington from 2:30pm to 7:00pm, for an unforgettable afternoon / evening filled with joy, wonder, and a sense of togetherness. This free event is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, and we encourage the entire community to come and celebrate Matariki with us.

Matariki on the Waterfront returns to Silo Park once again, promising a range of experiences to invigorate the soul and warm the senses during the cold of winter. See Silo Park come alive with a range of workshops and games, as well as Djs, kai, and a place of connection, remembrance and renewal for all.

Explore the Universe. No international travel needed. Every last Tuesday of the month, Space Place cheers to the stars with Astronomy on Tap, an evening space science event transporting you from Pōneke into the depths vast depths of space and beyond. July’s Astronomy on Tap will celebrate Puanga ki Matariki, the new year/harvest/foretelling the weather/remembering our loved ones who have passed. Upon arrival, receive a drink and your first-class inflight snacks. Then sit back and relax in our digital full-dome planetarium as we explore the night sky. Complete your trip through the galaxy with the cash bar and a look through interactive exhibitions. Mā te wā, see you soon!