Now in its fourth year, the prestigious Matariki mā Puanga (previously Mānawatia a Matariki) live broadcast will be held at Tirorangi Marae in Ohakune on Friday June 20. Stacey Morrison (Te Arawa, Ngāi Tahu) and Mātai Smith (Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri) will guide viewers through a powerful celebration of one of Aotearoa’s most significant cultural holidays.

From a sacred Hautapu dawn ceremony led by Ngāti Whakaue to the return of spectacular drone shows at the lakefront – the schedule is jam-packed.

When the Matariki stars rise on Friday, people around the motu will come together to celebrate under this year’s theme — Matariki mā Puanga: Celebrating Together.

Matariki will be celebrated for the fourth time as a national public holiday on Friday, June 20. But what is it? How did it come about, and why is it so important?

Ka hākaritia a Matariki mō te wā tuawhā hei hararei tūmatanui ā motu i te Paraire, i te Hune 20. Engari he aha tēnei? I pēhea te tū mai, ā, he aha i tino hira ai?

How do we bring the hautapu ceremony to our backyards - and why is it really about bringing our indigenous culture into our hearts.

Many Tohu Whenua sites are celebrating Matariki mā Puanga with special events – find one near you.

This year’s theme reminds us that despite varied traditions, Matariki brings us all together, celebrating the diverse elements that shape our identities. Here’s a taste of what’s happening around the country.

How do you actually find the Matariki constellation, and/or Puanga? Is there anything else in the night sky you could see? Where is the best place to view it all?