This year the Matariki public holiday falls on Friday the 14th of July, marking the recurrence of the constellation.
If you are looking for ways to celebrate the Māori New Year, look no further, we’ve got you covered.
A stellar place to start is matariki.com, the official website for all things Matariki from karakia to event listings.
Here are some events to add to your calendar!
Matariki National Broadcast
Online/Broadcast, 14 July
Tune in for the National Broadcast of Matariki Hautapu on Friday the 14th of July for full coverage of the Matariki activities, including the traditional Matariki Hautapu ceremony (Sacred offering to the stars). This broadcast welcomes everyone across Aotearoa to take part in understanding the traditions of old and creating new ones of our own.
Celebrate our New Year at Te Papa
Te Papa, Te-Whanganui-a-Tara, Now – 30 July
Celebrate our national holiday with an interactive journey through three interactive gateways at Te Papa to remember, celebrate and hope. Remember the ones you have lost and discover new ways to rejoice with friends and whānau, look to the future and make plans for the new year. Interact with the walk-through experience to explore the stories of Matariki and meet the stars themselves.
Matariki Ahi Kā
Wellington Waterfront, Te-Whanganui-a-Tara, 13 July – 16 July
If you’re in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara this winter, Wellington City Council invites you to attend Matariki Ahi Kā to celebrate the Māori New Year in a uniquely Wellingtonian way. Enjoy a spectacular, free, whānau-friendly experience.
Share kai with friends and whānau each evening in Odlins Plaza kai court whilst listening to performers on the Aroha stage. Experience our rich and beautiful culture and history with a big, bold, immersive Wellington Waterfront walk-through including large-scale projections, fire and performances.
Feast Matariki – Mahika Kai Workshops
Various Locations, Te Waipounamu, 9 – 23 July
Eat New Zealand and Ngāi Tahu are proud to present Feast Matariki, focussing on a series of Mahika Kai workshops across the Ngāi Tahu region. Mahika Kai or “To work the food” relates to the traditional value of food resources and their eco-systems as well as the practices involved in producing, procuring and protecting these resources.
Eat New Zealand’s mission is to connect people with our land and water through our food. These stories and practices are an important part of Ngāi Tahu’s story, they are embracing the Matariki values of wānanga (learning) mana taiao (environmental awareness) tohatoha (sharing) and manaakitanga (hospitality) to bring you a series of workshops and celebrations around Mahika Kai.
M9 – He toi whakairo, he mana. Without Māori art, who are we?
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Tamaki Makaurau, 6 July
M9- He Toi whakairo, promises to give us a deeper insight into what collectivises and weaves the tapestries of Māori art together. Learn about how it creates a deeply rich and diverse cultural landscape that affects unique experiences, stories and perspectives.
The exhibition features some of Aotearoa’s finest artists from different disciplines including, Nikau Hindin, Nigel Borell, Mr G, Tama Iti, Maisey Rika and more.
Nga Whetu Art Exhibition
Homestead Galleries Corban Estate, Tamaki Makaurau, Curators Tour: Ngā Whetu, 24 June, 10am-11am
In support of Aotearoa’s continued learning behind the meaning and importance of Matariki, The Homestead Galleries present a group exhibition of Māori artists showcasing works that speak to Puanga and the Matariki cluster.
Ngā Whetu includes the work of various Māori artists, Atareta Black, Tony Brown, Aroha Gossage, Penny Howard, Wikuki Kingi, Lisa Reihana, Kauri Wharewera, Siniva Williams, Ann Uerata and Louie Zalk-Neale.
Through the group’s distinctive method of storytelling and their perspectives, Nga Whetu offers a rich view into the significance of these stars as they pertain to the people of Aotearoa across a wide range of disciplines.
Alongside the exhibition is a programme of free gallery events open for the public to attend including an opportunity to join the curators of Ngā Whetu Penny Howard Melina Payne on a tour of the gallery.
Matariki – Ngā Whetū o Te Tau Hou/The stars of the new year
Stardome Observatory and Planetarium, Tamaki Makaurau, 26 June – 1 July
From the comfort of your planetarium seat, you will embark on a journey to Nga Whetū o Te Tau Hou and learn new purākau (stories) and the significance of the Māori new year.
Learn more about Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview), the traditions around Matariki and the Kaupapa (principles) around it.
Matariki – Ngā Whetū o Te Tau Hou is perfect for those looking to celebrate Matariki, get a taster of Māori astrology and the Maramataka (Māori lunar calendar), as well as admire the beauty of our night sky.
Dunedin Paint & Wine Night
Dish Cafe and Bar, Ōtepoti, 13 July
To celebrate a year of reflection, grab a paintbrush and a drink and paint a masterpiece.
Join Paintvine for a creative night of drinking and painting at The Dish Café & Bar in Ōtepoti (Dunedin). Get those creative juices flowing and paint to your heart’s content. No previous artistic experience needed.
Paintvine is a fun, social painting class where their highly-talented artists will run you through step-by-step how to create a showpiece of a painting in a low-key and relaxed bar setting.
Paintvine provides all the materials you need, high-quality canvas, acrylic paint and brushes. All you need to bring is yourself and creative ambition. At the night’s end, you will leave with a masterpiece ready to hang up on the wall.
Rei – The Matariki Tour
Various Locations, 26 June – 29 July
Rei is celebrating Matariki by taking the stage on an 8-date tour performing tracks from their album Ariki.
Rei cannot wait to share their waiata kanikani (dance music) and party with the people, Oh! And he’ll be performing his new waiata “All we got!”
Taking mana wahine, Huia, on tour, a Te Reo bilingual who fuses uplifting kaupapa with drum and bass, dance hall and ambient music. Adding a local support act in each location.
The Matariki tour headlines with Rei’s high-energy set then a DJ playing exclusive, never heard before remixed Te reo music.
The Tour promises to elevate Te reo Māori music and performances to a new level.
Click here for more exciting Matariki events near you.
