Get ready, Auckland! The much-anticipated Matariki Festival 2024 is just around the corner, from June 15 to June 30. The Auckland Council has got an incredible line-up of more than 90 family-friendly events spread across 16 days, many of which are either free or super affordable.
This year’s theme is all about te whenua (land) and te taiao (environment), reminding us of our deep connections to nature and our role as guardians.
Mayor Wayne Brown is encouraging everyone to dive into the Matariki spirit this year. “Matariki events let us reflect on the past year and welcome in the Māori New Year,” says Brown. "Last year’s dawn ceremony was amazing, and I really want everyone to come out and welcome the new year with Ngāti Tamaoho, who’ll be leading the festival for the next three years.”
Event Highlights
Matariki i te Maunga & Matariki i te Marae (June 15)
Kick off the festival with a pre-dawn ceremony on Pukekohekohe, led by Ngāti Tamaoho. Experience moving karakia. The celebration continues at Pukekohe Marae with a pōwhiri, breakfast, kapa haka, and a special performance from the New Zealand Dance Company. The gala starts at 5.30am.
Whakarewa Manu Tukutuku Kite Day (June 22)
Head to Pukekohe Marae for a day of kite flying. Make your own traditional kite or bring one from home, and enjoy a fun day with the whole whānau. There’ll be plenty of food, music, and a special performance from Aro. The event runs 11am to 3pm.
Matariki i te Aorangi (June 22 and June 24)
Dive into Māori astronomy and get a closer look at the Matariki star cluster with Skylab. Join the celebrations at Pukekiwiriki Pā, Red Hill, for night sky viewings and learn about the stars accompanied by traditional Māori music. Two sessions available: June 22, 7pm-9pm and June 24, 5am-7am.
Matariki Festival Day (June 28)
Spend the day at Auckland Botanic Gardens celebrating Matariki. Enjoy traditional music, weaving, carving, and a Māori market. Don’t miss the whakapapa symposium to explore your own genealogy. It’s a full day of fun activities for everyone.
The Auckland Council is hosting this year’s event in collaboration with Ngāti Tamaoho Trust, whose CEO Matekino Marshall (Waikato) says he is looking forward to sharing their iwi’s unique traditions this Matariki season.
"Ngāti Tamaoho, in partnership with Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau, look forward to hosting this year’s Matariki Festival with a range of events across the city,” he says.
“The events are designed to provide an opportunity for all Aucklanders to experience the joys of this time of year, and to gain a better understanding of our taiao and our connections to it, both physical and spiritual.”
To find an event near you and plan your Matariki Festival experience, visit https://matarikifestival.org.nz.
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