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Matariki Festival 2026 organisers have announced the first major events and theme for this year’s festival, which will feature more than 100 community events, workshops and exhibitions across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
The festival will run from July 4-19 and is being delivered in partnership between Ngāti Tamaoho and Auckland Council.
This year’s theme is Matariki ki te Rangi (Matariki in the Sky), focusing on celestial knowledge, renewal and aspiration.
Organisers say the theme encourages Aucklanders and visitors to reflect on the role of the stars and the responsibility of kaitiakitanga across the natural environment, oceans and skies.
Three major events announced
Three pou events have been confirmed as key moments within the wider festival programme.
The first, Matariki ki te Maunga, will be held on July 4 and feature a dawn karakia led by Ngāti Tamaoho to mark the rising of Matariki and the beginning of the festival.
The second event, Te Hui Ahurei o Matariki, will take place on July 10 and 11 at Nathan Homestead and Ngā Hau e Whā Marae o Pukekohe.
The event will include kai, performances, markets, kapa haka and kite-flying activities, including Whakarewa Manu – Kite Day on July 11.
The festival will conclude with Te Korakora ki Waihorotiu on July 18 at Shed 10 on Queens Wharf.
Organisers say the closing event will feature a music programme celebrating culture, connection and community.
Celebration of te ao Māori
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown says the festival continues to play an important role in the city’s cultural calendar.
“Matariki is a special time when our communities come together to deepen their understanding of te ao Māori and to celebrate the Māori New Year,” Wayne says.
Ngāti Tamaoho Settlement Trust chair Tori Ngataki says the festival provides an opportunity to strengthen connections through mātauranga Māori.
“The theme, Matariki ki te Rangi, invites us to look upward to the stars, reflect on our aspirations, honour those who have gone before us, and consider our responsibility as kaitiaki of our whenua, moana and taiao,” Tori says.
The full Matariki Festival 2026 programme is expected to be released in early June.
