This year’s Matariki festival kicks off on 19 June with plenty of exciting, informative and downright beautiful events throughout the country. A time to gather with family and friends to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future, we’ve picked a few events and activities to help get the tamariki involved.
Matariki at Auckland Council Libraries
Children, teens and whānau can learn about the environment through Auckland Council Libraries fun-filled Matariki school holiday activities. Throughout the school holidays (10-25 July) visit your local library and pick up a Matariki activity booklet! Learn what makes each of the Matariki stars special and enjoy fun activities, more special events and new Matariki storybooks.
Matariki at Te Papa
Te Papa never fails to delight with activities and events suitable for the whole family, but what got our inner child excited was this awesome FREE downloadable activity kit featuring word searches, colouring pages, games, and stories. It’s the perfect way for little ones to discover what’s important during Matariki no matter where home is in Aotearoa.
Bringing the light to Ōtautahi-Christchurch
From 25 June until 10 July, 6-11pm every night, Tīrama Mai will transform Christchurch’s central city and New Brighton with a series of innovative lighting installations, projections and illuminated artworks created by some of Canterbury’s best lighting artists and creative minds.
The whole family will enjoy exploring the lighting trails before the festival literally ends with a bang – a Matariki fireworks display that will light up the sky!