Cool Stuff

Mānawatia a Matariki - Our Event Guide!

Matariki, Māori New Year, is a wonderful time to pause, reflect with gratitude on the past year, and get ready for the year ahead. There are so many amazing events happening across the motu, offering great chances to connect with the local community and celebrate together. 

We want to encourage our staff and kiritaki to find ways to take part in the celebrations across the country, so we've compiled a list of events across Aotearoa New Zealand to help you get started. Click the name of an event you're interested in to find out more! 

This isn’t a complete list, so be sure to check out what’s happening in your local area too. Mānawatia a Matariki - Happy New Year!

 

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Bay of Islands

🔗 Te Tau Hou Māori Puanga Matariki Celebrations

What? – Story-tellers, kapa haka, street food offerings, arts, crafts and music. A special Puanga Matariki display will include waka, light and fireworks, choreographed to a narration.

When? – Friday 14th July from 4:00 p.m.

Where? – Paihia Village Green & Waterfront.

Auckland

🔗 Matariki at Karanga Plaza

What?   See the waterfront come alive with a range of Matariki activities, including a weaving workshop, DJ, Rongoa Tī, and a special performance by The New Zealand Dance Company: ‘Matariki for Tamariki’.

When? – Saturday 29th June – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where? – Karanga Plaza, Halsey Street.

🔗 Matariki Ahunga Nui

What?  Live performances of kapa haka, spoken word poetry and the soulful sounds of Majic Pāora. Join for a waiata singalong, purchase kai and make craft inspired by Matariki!

When? – Friday 28th June – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where? – Auckland Art Gallery.

Hamilton

🔗 Mānawatia a Matariki

What?  Family-friendly evening filled with live music, entertainment, food, markets and more!

When?  Friday 28th June from 2:00 p.m.

Where? – Hamilton Lake Domain.

Coromandel

🔗 Matariki Bonfire

What? – A bonfire night hosted by the Pauanui Volunteer Fire Brigade.

When? – Friday 28th June from 5:00 p.m.

Where? – Pauanui Beach, South end.

Bay of Plenty

🔗 Light up the Waterway

What? – Live music, kai, performances, and breathtaking lights.

When? – Friday 28th June – 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Where?  Pāpāmoa Plaza.

🔗 (Plus, a whole load more events throughout the Bay of Plenty!) 

Gisborne

🔗 A Night with the Stars

What? – An evening of music and storytelling featuring some of Tairāwhiti's best vocal artists and some delicious kai. Please note there is a $30 entry fee.

When? – Saturday 6th July from 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 7th July from 4:00 p.m.

Where? – Evolution Theatre, Gisborne.

Rotorua

🔗 Matariki Drone Light Show

What? – A night for the whole whānau, including market stalls and a drone light, sound and story event created by Māori artists.

When? – 27th and 28th June – 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Where? – Rotorua Lakefront.

Taupō

🔗 Matariki Night Market

What? – A vibrant market event with live entertainment, music, and delicious food.

When? – Wednesday 26th June - 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where? – Tūrangi Town Centre.

🔗 Matariki Family Lights Disco

What?  A family event featuring a DJ, kai (gold coin donation), a dance off and more!

When? – Thursday 27th June – 5:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m.

Where? – Tūrangi Town Centre.

New Plymouth

🔗 TSB Festival of Lights

What? – Stunning light installations in New Plymouth’s CBD.

When? – 27th to 30th June.

Where?  Huatoki Plaza through to the Coastal Walkway.

🔗 Hawkes Bay

What? – Various events including light shows, kai, entertainment, fireworks, storytelling, lanterns and remembrance.

When? – Various dates from 21st to 29th of June.

Where? – Napier, Hastings and throughout the Hawkes Bay region.

Palmerston North

🔗 Puanga Festival

What? – Lights, food trucks, stalls, bouncy castles and onstage performances including kapa haka, live bands, and headlined by Anika Moa.

When? – Friday, 28th June – 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where? – Central Energy Trust Arena.

Wellington

🔗 Matariki Puanga

What?  Fire, kai, projections, performances, and a special ceremony to honour those who have passed away and to express our hopes for the future.

When? – Various dates from 22nd to 30th June.

Where? Wellington Waterfront and Whairepo Lagoon.

Christchurch

🔗 Matariki Mākete

What?  Live performances, food trucks and local artisans under the stars – a celebration of creativity, community and delicious kai.

When? – 27th & 28th June 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where? – Market Square.