A record 550 drones will light up Rotorua’s night sky next month, with organisers promising a “stunning display of light, sound and Māori storytelling to honour Matariki”.

Te Karanga-a-Hape returns with free Matariki celebrations, live music, art, storytelling, and performances from Ladi6, MĀ, and more.

A traditional Māori star compass, built to teach the next generation how to read the skies and live by the stars, has been unveiled at a Ngāti Rangi kura in Ohakune.

A new Wellington Writers Walk sculpture featuring text in te reo Māori is set to be installed on the waterfront in time for Matariki 2026, marking the first time the literary trail has included a work entirely in te reo.

While national celebrations are held in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland – known as ‘the gathering place of many canoes’ – Whakatere Ashburton is also a community of many ‘canoes’: diverse people and identities who call this place home.

The theme for next year’s Matariki celebration is Matariki Herenga Waka – For Everyone, a powerful expression of unity, inclusion, and shared heritage.

King Charles has addressed a Matariki message to New Zealand ahead of the public holiday on Friday. "E mihi ana ki a Matariki mā Puanga," the King said.

Matariki is being celebrated on the other side of the world to the Pacific, with educational and performance events taking place in London.

Ngāti Rangi members are reflecting on the honour of hosting this year's Matariki national holiday ceremony. The ceremonies wrapped up on Friday at Tirorangi Marae at the base of Ruapehu.