Matariki 2021

Below are a selection of events held around New Zealand celebrating Matariki. Follow the web links to see the full listings.

NOTE: If you know of events we have missed, please get in touch: enquiries@sciencelearn.org.nz.

Online

Matariki Te Whetū o te Tau

29 June: With the new Matariki public holiday starting in 2022, this year’s Matariki is a great opportunity to build your knowledge. Join this free online presentation to learn all about Matariki.

Auckland

Matariki Dawn Karakia

19 June: Herald the Māori new year alongside iwi manaaki, Ngāti Whatūa Ōrākei, at Takaparawhau / Bastion Point – a place of special significance to Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and the history of Tāmaki Makaurau.

For more information: www.matarikifestival.org.nz/2021/matariki-dawn-karakia/

Ngā Whetū O Matariki

24 June–1 August: Join Stardome for a live Matariki kōrero under the planetarium stars. You’ll hear about ngā whetū, ngā aorangi and the many stories written in our night skies passed down from generation to generation.

For more information: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/nga-whetu-matariki/auckland/royal-oak#when

Night Lights at MOTAT

25 June–27 June: MOTAT is lighting up the Museum once again with artistic light installations. This atmospheric event blends art, culture, and entertainment creating a community event for the whole whānau that’s not to be missed.

For more information: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/night-lights-at-motat/auckland/western-springs

Te Ara Rama Matariki Light Trail

2 July–10 July: Explore fairy light walkways drawing inspiration from the nine stars of Matariki to celebrate the harvest, give thanks for our kai, remember loved ones and make a special wish.

For more information: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/te-ara-rama-matariki-light-trail/auckland/glen-innes

What is Matariki anyway?

5 July: Come and join Dr Dan Hikuroa to discuss Matariki, Maramataka and Mātauranga. Matariki has surged into national consciousness over the past decade, but is still widely misunderstood.

For the full list of events of the Auckland Matariki festival: www.matarikifestival.org.nz/

Waikato

Matariki ki Te Whare Taonga o Waikato

19 June: An interactive day where you can take part, listen, learn, watch, make and take something meaningful about Matariki away with you.

For more information: https://waikatomuseum.co.nz/exhibitions-and-events/view/2145883584/matariki-ki-te-whare-taonga-o-waikato

Maiangi Waitai: Ātea-ā-Rangi – Interstellar

19 June–29 August: In her newest project, Maiangi re-imagines oral history traditions related to the Matariki constellation.

Interstellar Writing Competition

1 July–13 August: Celebrate Matariki by writing poems and short stories in response to the visual storytelling of the Maiangi Waitai: Ātea-ā-Rangi—Interstellar exhibition!

For more information: https://waikatomuseum.co.nz/exhibitions-and-events/view/2145883605/interstellar-writing-competition

Matariki In The City

26 June: Join the Hamilton City Libraries team to celebrate Matariki with Hamilton City.

For more information: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/matariki-in-the-city/hamilton

Bay of Plenty

Matariki, Mātauranga Māori and Modern Science

21 June: Matariki, Mātauranga Māori and Modern Science, Special guest presenter Thomas (Tame) Malcom – Tame is an award-winning environmental scientist that can speak with mana to the cultural connections, collaborations between indigenous practices and western science.

For more information: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/matariki-matauranga-maori-and-modern-science/tauranga

Wellington

Tīrama Matariki Light Glow

4–6 June: Explore fairy light walkways drawing inspiration from the nine stars of Matariki to celebrate the harvest, give thanks for our kai and remember loved ones.

For more information: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/tirama-matariki-light-glow/wairarapa

Matariki Moon Watching

17 & 18 June: Explore the Te Papa Giant Star Dome during Matariki. Experience the night sky alongside Luke Jerram’s moon artwork and learn how to spot constellations in Aotearoa's night sky.

For more information: www.expressions.org.nz/events/current-events/matariki-moon-watching/

Matariki at Te Papa

2–11 July: Te Papa has a range of events to celebrate Matariki, suitable for all ages including a seed swap day, story telling, film festival, musical performance and more.

For more information: www.tepapa.govt.nz/visit/whats-on/events/preview-matariki-te-papa-2021

Maramataka at Ōtari with Pauline Harris

7 July: The maramataka is based on the position of the sun, stars, phases of the moon as well as environmental and ecological indicators. This talk will describe examples of these indicators and how these are being used to determine the time of Matariki.

Modern Matariki Hangi with Joe McLeod

9 July: Modern Matariki Hangi with Joe McLeod inside the Begonia House at Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā

For more information: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/modern-matariki-hangi-with-joe-mcleod/wellington

Matariki at the Museum

12–25 July: Escape the mid-winter cold and learn about the wonders of Matariki with Wellington Museum’s school holiday activities.

For more information: www.museumswellington.org.nz/matariki-at-the-museum/

Sanctuary Stargazing

20 July and 20 August: Zealandia has teamed up with the Wellington Astronomical Society to bring you a drop-in stargazing event as part of the Matariki ki Te Māra a Tāne/Matariki at Zealandia celebrations.

For more information: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/sanctuary-stargazing-matariki-at-zealandia/wellington

Christchurch

5 June–4 July: Kimihia the nine visible stars of Matariki around the Museum and record their names on the entry form. Complete the Matariki star cluster and go in the draw to win a great prize.

For more information: www.canterburymuseum.com/whats-on/nga-whetu-e-iwa-o-matariki/