The Maori New Year is here and we have plenty of celebrations on the go, from star gazing and light shows to festive markets. The rise of the Pleiades star cluster is special to Aotearoa, so it’s definitely worth joining in the Matariki events and festivities!
Auckland
Vector Lights for Matariki Festival
Where: Auckland Harbour Bridge
This year for Matariki Festival 2021 the Auckland Harbour Bridge will once again be lit up with a light story. This years story follows the host iwi Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, and their migration to Tāmaki Makaurau. Enjoy the show from Birkenhead, Bayswater, Te Atatu or Mt Victoria.
Matariki on the Waterfront
Where: Silo Park, Auckland
Matariki on the Waterfront returns this year for two days of activities, entertainment, kai to invigorate the soul and warm the senses.
Wellington
Matariki under the stars experience
Where: Te Rauparaha Arena
Experience the Story of Matariki, a virtual Haka and send your Matariki wishes to the sky in our spectacular starlit setting. Experience the wonder of a starlit night indoors while listening to the legends and stories of the Matariki stars at this free event.
Matariki Storytelling with Moira Wairama
Where: Capital E
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.
Canterbury
Matariki in the Zone
Where: Avebury House
Celebrate Matariki at Avebury House. The event will mark Matariki and aspects of Maori Tradition with food, music, activities and a week-long lighting display.
Matariki Night Market
Where: The Royal Arcade & Stafford Street
Come together to celebrate Matariki at the Matariki Night Market in Timaru. There will be multi-cultural food vendors + artsy craft stalls, Live music, Kapa Haka performances, kids pavement art and fire dance performers and more!
Dunedin
Matariki Time @ Toitū
Where: Toitū Early Settlers Museum
There are a load of activities on at Matariki Time at the Toitū Early Settlers Museum. Gets hands on creating your own pepeha, plan a feast for your friends and whanau, and weave your own matariki star, and on your way, pick up our Maramataka Trail from reception, where you can explore the Ara-i-te-uru gallery and learn about the seasonal activities of the Maramataka – the Māori lunar calendar.
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