Matariki in Auckland: A month of festivities across the city
Monday, 14 June 2021
Despite not being an official public holiday till 2022, celebrations for Matariki this year are set to be bigger than ever.
Midwinter is considered the Māori new year, an auspicious time when the nine-star Matariki constellation, also known as Pleiades, is visible in the horizon.
This year, Matariki festivities will run from June 19 to July 11.
Matariki is one example of the deep connection between Māori culture and astronomy, which is woven into all facets of life.
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For Māori, Matariki is a time to get together with whānau, celebrate and reflect on the past year and look to the year ahead.
Auckland Council is hosting the celebrations and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is the iwi manaaki (host iwi), a role previously held by Waikato-Tainui iwi.
“The role of iwi manaaki during the festival is a wonderful opportunity for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, and we look forward to sharing with Tāmaki Makaurau our ahi kā narrative and the deep connection we have with our rohe,” said Marama Royal, chair of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
Events to look out for
Dawn Karakia, June 19, 6am-8am
The festival begins at Ōrākei Marae for a karakia on the whenua alongside the iwi manaaki, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
Mākete Matariki, June 20, 5.30pm-8.30pm
A night market dedicated to Matariki season will be held at Te Pātaka Kōrero o Takānini community centre. The local library will be transformed into an open space to support local pākihi Māori (Māori businesses).
Te Taumata Kapa Haka, June 23-26, 12.15pm-1.15pm
Watch live kapa haka and waiata performances from across Auckland in the heart of the city at Takutai Square.
Manu Aute Kite Day, June 26, 10am-4pm
Take the kids out kite flying to celebrate the tradition of sending messages to the heavens or between hapū . Manu Aute Kite Day activities will be held inPuketāpapa/Mt Roskill and at Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, Ōrākei.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei will be holding a weaving workshop with expert weavers at the Ōrākei location.
Vector Lights, June 19-July 11
Enjoy the Auckland Harbour Bridge light up with a special show that showcases the pepeha of the iwi manaaki, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
The 5-minute light show will be played every 30 minutes from 6pm, across the weekends throughout the month of Matariki.
Matariki on the Waterfront, July 3-4
Celebrate Matariki festivities on Auckland’s very own waterfront. For two days, the area will come alive with activities, food and live entertainment. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei will gather round the fire and demonstrate the art of weaving and other mahi toi.
Te Korakorea on Takutai, July 9, 5pm-10pm
Finish off Matariki with festivities in Takutai Square, where people of all ages can feast on local food and performances.
Bring the family for kai, plus live music from artists including Ria Hall, Mara TK, DJ Spell and more.
For more information on Matariki festivities in Auckland, check out the Matariki festival website here.