Celebrate Matariki with events right throughout the country!
Matariki is the Māori name for the star cluster known as the Pleiades. Traditionally, for Māori, when it appeared just before dawn in late May or early June, it signalled the start of the Māori New Year.
Different tribes celebrate Matariki at different times. For some it was when Matariki rose in May/June. For others it was celebrated at the first new moon, or full moon, following the rising of Matariki. In the 21st century it is the new moon following the rising of Matariki that signals the New Year.
In 2018 Matariki is 30 Pipiri ki 22 Hōngongoi, 30 June 2018 to 22 July.
Eventfinda and Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage websites list some of the Matariki events happening from north to south. You can also check out the website from your city council for more ideas on how to celebrate. Find one in your area!
- Eventfinda Matariki 2018: www.eventfinda.co.nz/search?q=Matariki
- Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage: www.mch.govt.nz/nz-identity-heritage/matariki
Some city council celebrations:
- Auckland: www.matarikifestival.org.nz
- Wellington: https://wellington.govt.nz/events/annual-events/matariki/
- Dunedin Puaka Matariki Festival: https://matarikidunedin.co.nz/
Examples of some events
- Astrophotography workshops and a range of events on Great Barrier Island: www.greatbarrier.co.nz/events
- HEAVEN and EARTH – RANGI and PAPA, puppet show: http://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=HEAVENAN18
- Planetarium show at Stardome: www.stardome.org.nz/show/matariki-dawn
- Talk by Dr Rangi Mātāmua – The astronomy of Matariki: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2018/talk-dr-rangi-m-t-mua-the-astronomy-of-matariki/rotorua
- Festival at Te Papa: www.tepapa.govt.nz/discover-collections/read-watch-play/maori/matariki-maori-new-year/matariki-festival-2018
- Te Korekore performance work: www.pataka.org.nz/te-korekore-matariki-2018
- Matariki tour: www.eventfinda.co.nz/tour/2018/matariki-tour-2018
- At Motat in Auckland Night Lights will be lighting up the night sky to celebrate Matariki.
Related content
The activity Constellations in the night sky explores the various legends attached to the Pleiades constellation. This forms part of the Hub’s Matariki resources.
