Matariki is our unique Maori New Year. Matariki is a time for reflection, remembrance as well as joy so we invite everyone in communities and families throughout Aotearoa.
Matariki is a seasonal occasion to mark the end of harvest, a time to celebrate throughout June to mid July. It's about the 'new year' planting season and new beginnings when we can rejuvinate ourselves.
"Kahungunu is where the revival of our modern Matariki celebrations started" said Judith Tizard, Former Associate Minister for Heritage & Culture in Parliament 17 June 2008.
Matariki 2011 - A New Decade of Celebration
Friday 10 June. Pahiatua Matariki @ Pahiatua Stadium. Free entry. Starts at 5.00pm with karaoke, entertainment and hot food. Fireworks finale outdoors in PPCS Park at 8pm
Friday 17 June. Waipukurau Matariki @ AW Parson Stadium. Free entry. Starts at 5pm with karaoke, entertainment and hot food. Fireworks finale outdoors in Russell Park.
Friday 24 June. Hastings Matariki @ Flaxmere park. Free enetry. Starts at 5pm with karaoke, hot air balloon glow, entertainment and hot food. Fireworks finale at 8pm
Saturday 25 June. Matariki Thanksgiving Ceremony and Breakfast. Free. Everyone welcome, Te Aranga Marae, Boston Crescent, Flaxmere, Hastings 6am to 8am.
Saturday 26 June. Matariki Makariri Waka Ama Sprints @ Farndon Park, Clive 10am to 1pm. Free entry. Everyone welcome.
Saturday 26 June. Napier Matariki Fire Festival @ Soundshell, Marine Parade. Free entry. 12pm to 8pm. Rides, craft and food fair, 5m gas flames, karaoke, entertainment, lantern procession and fireworks finale at 8pm.
Friday 1 July. Wairoa Matariki @ Wairoa Community Centre. Free entry. Doors open at 5pm with Karaoke, entertainment and hot foot. Fireworks finale outdoors in Alexandra Park. The biggest Matariki event in New Zealand with 45% of the district turning up, year after year rain hail or shine.
Funded by Te Puni Kokiri, Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc, Creative Communities, Morepork Mountain Trust, Tararua District Council, He Oranga Poutama, Sport Hawkes Bay, Rangitane Ki Tamaki Nui a Rua, Rangitane ki Wairarapa, Wairoa Waikaremoana Trust Board, Creative Communities.