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As Matariki, the Māori New Year draws closer for 2024, Regional councils across the country are gearing up to celebrate with a vibrant array of events and art projects. From Auckland to Dunedin, councils are embracing the spirit of Matariki, blending community, reflection, and celebration.
In Wellington, the City Council has revealed a dynamic schedule for the Matariki Ahi Kā festival. The festivities will begin with Mana Moana Pōneke, a stunning display of indigenous short films projected onto a water screen at Whairepo Lagoon. This collaborative event, featuring Māori and Pasifika musicians, artists, writers, and choreographers, runs every weekend from 6 PM to 9 PM, June 15-30.
One of the festival’s highlights is an immersive journey along the waterfront from June 27-30. Visitors can explore three themed zones—‘Look to the Future’, ‘Celebrate the Present’, and ‘Remember the Past’—each marked by a Tomokanga, a traditional entranceway. The journey includes fire pits, projections, performances, and a variety of food trucks in the Odlins Plaza kai court.
The Aroha Stage in Odlins Plaza will showcase local talent, including the Ngāti Pōneke Young Māori Club (kapa haka), Tom Knowles (reggae, roots), Casual Healing (Māori roots, RnB, reggae), Tui (soul, pop), and Awerangi (old-school jams).
To honour those who have passed since last Matariki, the public is invited to submit names for a Memorial Wall, displayed near the Solace in the Wind statue. Attendees can also write wishes and hopes for the future, placing them in baskets to be released into flames each night, symbolizing the creation of new stars.
Matariki Puanga, the Māori New Year, is all about tradition, marking the rising of the Puanga (Rigel in Orion) and the Matariki star cluster (Pleiades or the Seven Sisters). This time-honored celebration brings together friends and whānau, fostering kinship, storytelling, and communal planning for a sustainable future.
In a recent media release from the Wellington City Council, June 11, Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says “The Matariki Ahi Kā festival will once again reflect this and will be big, bold, and immersive, with multiple experiences stretching around the waterfront. “These events raise awareness and education around Matariki, Te Ao Māori, and Wellington’s many stories—everyone is invited to engage, enjoy, and experience this unique festival.”
Wellington’s celebration also extends to the arts, with a new Courtenay Place light box exhibition blessed this weekend, June 14-16. The exhibition, Tēnei te otinga tū, celebrates the centenary of the local poi manu group Ngā uki o te mounga in collaboration with artist Shannon Te Ao. The outdoor public exhibition will run until early October.
In Auckland, the City Council celebrates Matariki with the Vector Lights on the iconic Harbour Bridge. Created by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, this light and sound show will illuminate the bridge every Friday and Saturday from June 14, with shows running every 15 minutes from 6 PM to midnight.
Christchurch City Council engages the younger generation with Matariki Afterschool Activity Zones, where children can create origami star boxes and stars until June 27.
In Dunedin, their Puaka Matariki Festival runs from June 25 to July 3 offers a citywide program of community events, celebrating midwinter learning and community spirit. Mānawatia a Matariki! Celebrate Matariki!
