Matariki celebrations in Te Matau-a-Māui
When the Pleiades star cluster – known as Matariki – appears in the New Zealand sky, it signals the start of a new year.
For Māori, the emergence of Matariki marks the passing of one year and the start of another. It’s a time to remember lost loved ones and celebrate new beginnings, as well as being a period of reflection and regeneration - learn more.
Happy New Zealand new year!
In 2023, the Matariki public holiday is observed on Friday 14 July.
Events will run Tuesday 20 June to Sunday 16 July. This page will be updated with further event details as they become available.
Whānau Marama: Light Show
Learn about Te Whānau Marama - Family of Light and the traditional star compass used by navigators for wayfinding across the Pacific Ocean. A Matariki sensory experience like no other.
Tuesday 20 June - Saturday 24 June
Friday 30 June - Saturday 01 July
Friday 07 July - Saturday 08 July
Thursday 13 July - Saturday 15 July
6.00pm, 6.30pm, 7.00pm, 7.30pm, 8.00pm
$10, tickets will be available from matariki.events from Tuesday 30 May
Ātea a Rangi, Waitangi Park, SH51, Awatoto, Napier
Matariki Whakanuia ki Te Wairoa: Wairoa celebrates Matariki
Kai, entertainment, remembrance and fireworks
Friday 30 June
Free entry. 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Wairoa Community Centre, Alexandra Park, Marine Parade, Wairoa
Matariki Tāpuapua: The Pools of Matariki
Float a waka lantern with a personal message of remembrance or healing.
Kai trucks on site. Acoustic singer.
Thursday 6 July
6.00pm to 8.00pm
The Pond, Flaxmere Park, Henderson Road, Flaxmere, Hastings
Matariki Whakanuia ki Tamatea: Central Hawke's Bay celebrates Matariki
Kai, entertainment, remembrance and fireworks
Friday 7 July
Free entry. 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Russell Park, 10 River Terrace, Waipukurau
Matariki - Whangai I Te Hautapu - Hau Ahi
Ceremony to remember loved ones, give thanks for the harvest and blessings for the future.
Thursday 13 July
Free entry, 6.00am to 7.00am
546 Marine Parade, Napier (next to the National Aquarium of New Zealand)
Matariki Pūrākau: Storytelling around the fire
Lantern procession - float a waka lantern with a personal message of remembrance or healing at Manga Pacific - Te Toka Tu Moana fountain. Gather around communal fires as a storyteller shares tales of old.
Entertainment, kai trucks on site.
Thursday 13 July
Free entry, 6.00pm to 9.00pm
546 Marine Parade, Napier (next to the National Aquarium of New Zealand)
Hākari Matariki: Feast Matariki Hastings
Kai, entertainment, remembrance and fireworks
Friday 14 July
Free entry, 6.00pm to 9.00pm
Tomoana Showgrounds, Kenilworth Road, Hastings
Matariki Pūrākau: Storytelling around the fire
Communal fires set among 18 large pou carvings as a storyteller shares tales of old. Kai trucks on site.
Saturday 15 July
Free entry, 6.00pm to 9.00pm
Civic Square, Hastings
The ancient wisdom of Matariki
According to the most common Māori legend, when the sky father Ranginui and earth mother Papatūānuku were parted by their children, the god of wind became so enraged he tore out his eyes and hurled them at the heavens to create Matariki. Traditionally, Māori marked the appearance of the stars – and the start of their lunar calendar – by remembering those who had died, sowing seeds for crops and celebrating with feasts and the lighting of ritual fires. Spiritual experts known as tohunga interpreted the stars to predict the weather: clear, bright stars meant a warm, abundant season ahead. In modern New Zealand, Matariki is seen as a time to take stock and face the coming year with renewed vigour.
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