Matariki is our unique Maori New Year. It's 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. Matariki is a time for reflection, remembrance as well as joy so we invite everyone in communities and families throughout Aotearoa. Join us.
"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 2010 - A New Decade of Celebration
Sunday 6 June (Queen's Birthday Weekend) Waka Ama Sprint Contest @ Farndon Park, Clive. 10am to 1pm. Free entry. Staunch rowers of all ages will brave -2 C wind chill factor to compete in this annual event. There's great camaraderie and rowers came from near and far including North Auckland and Gisborne.
Friday 11 June. Pahiatua Matariki @ Pahiatua Stadium.
An excellent family night that attracts a big crowd and wonderful entertainment. The fireworks finale attracts the whole town outdoors during the show, the only time there's a display in the area all year.
Friday 11 June. Matariki NBL Basketball.
The Hawkes Bay Hawks play the Taranaki Dynamos @ PG Arena Taradale. There's a Haka by 150 high school students and 500 strong primary school choir singing the "Come On The Bay" anthem. This game is always a sell-out so come along to enjoy the fantastic atmosphere.
Friday 18 June. Waipukurau Matariki @ A.W. Parson Stadium & Russell Park.
There's always a packed house with some fantastic performers. Kiddies love the dodge ball and the soectacular fireworks finale.
Friday 25 June. Flaxmere Matariki @ Flaxmere Park
Over 5,000 people turn up making this the biggest crowd for any event in Flaxmere. The public feedback in the past has been tremendous, the local entertainers fantastic, the outdoor screen makes a huge impact, the kiddies love getting 'branded' on the dodge-ball court and the fireworks make you feel proud to be Kahungunu ! Hot food stalls including hangi always sells out. A night to remember.
Saturday 26 & 27June, Matariki Winter Solstice Fair @ Clareville Showgrounds, Carterton.
There's 100 craft stalls, food, entertainment and fireworks. Gold coin entry. Outstanding entertainment, fantastic fireworks and the charity auction raised around $4,500 for the Westpac Helicopter Rescue Team.
Friday 2 July. Wairoa Matariki @ Wairoa Community Centre. Free entry. The biggest Matariki event in New Zealand with 45% of the district turning up, year after year rain or shine. Doors open 5pm with karaoke. Entertainment and hot food served. Fireworks finale outdoors in Alexandra Park.
Funded by Te Puni Kokiri, Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc, Creative Communities, Morepork Mountain Trust, Tararua District Council, He Oranga Poutama, Sport Hawke's Bay, Rangitane Ki Tamaki Nui a Rua, Rangitane ki Wairarapa, Wairoa Waikaremoana Trust Board.