Matariki celebrations in Te Matau-a-Māui, Hawke's Bay
2022 Matariki events in Te Matau-a-Māui
Matariki Tāpuapua - The Pools of Matariki
When: Wednesday, June 22 - Saturday, June 25. 6pm-9pm.
Where: Flaxmere Park, The Pond
What: For four nights we invite you to float a waka lantern on the tranquil waters of The Pond to make a wish for the future, or remember those who have passed since last Matariki. Don’t miss this peaceful, contemplative and memorable experience
When: Thursday, June 23 - Saturday, June 25. 6pm-9pm.
Where: Civic Square, Hastings
Matariki Digital Light Show
What: Wrap up warm and come along to the Civic Square to watch the digital light and sound show that brings the stars of Matariki to life. Located within Civic Square is the Matariki hub where you will find a cosy marquee to relax in whilst enjoying the warmth of the welcome fires that burn for three days and three nights.
Matariki Ahi Ka - Home fires welcome Matariki
What: Fires signal the arrival of Matariki in Hastings and call people home, to give thanks for the harvest, remember loved ones and celebrate with whanau and friends. The cauldrons of fire in Civic Square will burn for three days and nights. more info
Pūrākau - Storytelling
What: Each night you are invited to nestle under the 'big top' in Civic Square. Join the circle around communal fires as storytellers ignite our imaginations and illuminate our minds as they did for our forebears. Whanau will share the history of Nga Pou o Heretaunga as they bring to life eighteen large pou carvings representing an ancestor from marae around Hastings District. Adjacent to the luxurious winter setting is the digital light show of the Matariki stars, a display not to be missed. more info
Hākari Matariki - Feast Matariki Hastings
When: Friday, June 24. 5pm-10pm.
Where: Tomoana Showgrounds, Hastings
What: Come pull up a seat at our Matariki table to feast and commemorate New Zealand’s very first public holiday to celebrate Matariki. Enjoy a live entertainment showcase of singers, bands, kapa haka, choirs and hip hop dancers before a spectacular fireworks finale. Food trucks onsite for supper options. more info
Te Hikoi Whetū o Matariki - Matariki Stars Parade
When: Saturday, June 25. 6.30pm.
Where: Civic Square, Hastings
What: Cosy up for the Matariki finale and join the lantern parade that will illuminate Hastings CBD. Craft your own lantern at home or collect one from Civic Square to follow the lights and music. Finish the parade with kai from food trucks before snuggling around the welcome fires to enjoy the Matariki stars digital light show. more info
Ngā Whetū o Matariki: A Magical Matariki Light Show
When: Wednesday, June 22 - Saturday, June 25. 6pm-8pm.
Where: Herschell Street, Napier CBD
What: Bring the whānau along and experience the illumination of the night sky and surrounding buildings with a Matariki star inspired light show in the heart of Napier’s CBD.
Enjoy some kai from local food trucks and make the most of late nights at the MTG.
Marama Luminate Light Trail
When: Tuesday, June 21 - Saturday, June 25. 6pm-9pm.
Where: Ātea a Rangi - Star Compass, Waitangi Regional Park, State Highway 51, Awatoto, Napier.
What: Learn about the Matariki star cluster and follow a trail of luminous stones, a traditional practice of Ngati Pahauwera to guide them at night following the reflective glow of the opunga stone in moonlight. The trail leads to light displays that guide you along an estuary that filters nutrients for plants, spawning marine life and wading birds. The sensory experience is delivered by wireless headphones to ambient music and narration. Free entry.
Whānau activities learning about Matariki and other whetu (stars)
When: Friday, June 24.
Where: Ātea a Rangi - Star Compass, Waitangi Regional Park, State Highway 51, Awatoto, Napier.
What: 9am-12pm
Ātea a Rangi korero, traditional kai tastings, rongoa Maori samplings. Native tree planting (bring gumboots). 12pm - 2pm - Whānau entertainment, kai and coffee food trucks.
Celebrate Matariki at The National Aquarium
When: Friday, June 24 - Sunday, June 26. 9am-5pm.
Where: National Aquarium, Marine Parade, Napier
What: Learn all about the nine stars of Matariki from 24-26 June at The National Aquarium of New Zealand. We've also brought back our popular star wall where you can write your wishes and hopes for the coming year on a star and display it on our wall to share with visitors. You can also relax in our oceanarium hall and view the Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Matariki story.
MTG Children's Matariki Activities and Star Hunt Competition
When: Wednesday, June 22 - Saturday, June 25. MTG will be open late for these four nights. Entry is free.
Where: MTG Hawke's Bay, 1 Tennyson St, Napier 4110
What: Take part in our 'Make a Star' activity in the front foyer and add your creation to the display, then take a trek through the gallery galaxy on a search for all the stars that make up the Matariki cluster. Find them all and you can enter the draw to win one of two family passes to The Glow Show in Napier during the upcoming school holidays on 14 July!
For more info visit Te Whanganui-A-Orotu | Matariki Events
