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Matariki marks the start of the Māori New Year, and at its core, this special occasion encourages one to remember the lost, celebrate the present, and look to the future.
Matariki is signified by a cluster of stars that appear once a year. This winter, Matariki will reappear in the skies above Aotearoa from the 4th-19th of July. This reappearance contains hundreds of stars but only nine are visible to the naked eye. Each star represents a significance in Māori culture and the unique characteristics have been honoured by Māori for centuries.
The Matariki public holiday it is a time for;
Here are some ways you can celebrate and acknowledge the Māori New Year with your whānau this week!
The Poi Room welcomes group exhibition - Matariki Herenga Waka: A Gathering of Many Voices. Featuring work from six Māori artists, the collection is like the stars of the Matariki cluster; each voice is distinct and yet interconnected. Exhibition opens on the 2nd of July from 5:30-7:30pm.
With a strong emphasis on whānau and kai, what better way to celebrate than by spending time with your tamariki, teaching them how to plant and source their kai from the earth? The Warehouse offers a wide variety of seeds to choose from, making it a personalised and memorable experience.
McGregor's Marathon Hybrid Broccoli Vegetable Seeds, available at The Warehouse
Curious about Matariki? This book is the perfect starting point, answering all your questions and helping you connect more deeply with the celebration.
Matariki- The Star of the Year by Rangi Matamua, available at RUBY
Matariki is all about spending meaningful time with your whānau. Get involved with your tamariki this week through fun, Matariki-inspired activities.
Curious Kiwi Matariki Puzzle Double Sided, available at Whitcoulls
Gathering with loved ones for kai is a special part of Matariki celebrations. As kaimoana plays a significant role in the Māori diet, why not mark the occasion with New York Grill’s Oyster Happy Hour? Enjoy freshly shucked oysters for just $2.50 each, available daily from 3–5pm.
Westfield Newmarket invites you to look beyond and connect with the stars through an immersive telescope experience. Follow the stars through the centre to the balcony and discover The Matariki Telescope Lookout, bringing the Matariki cluster into focus.
Dates: Friday 26 June to Sunday 12 July
Location: The Rooftop, Level 5, next to Bodrum
No Matariki feast is complete without Māori fry bread. If you’ve ever tried paraoa parai, you’ll know just how delicious these golden pillows can be. Impress your whānau and give this recipe from New World a go! Click here for the recipe.
From 6–10 July, Les Mills is hosting special Matariki Mind Body classes. Each session features a cultural opening and a bespoke te reo Māori soundtrack, guiding participants through the themes of Matariki. Guests will be invited to honour loved ones who have passed, celebrate those present in their lives, and set intentions for the year ahead. Complimentary kai will be served afterwards, offering a moment to connect and come together.
Take a moment to reflect. Look back on the past 12 months and journal everything you’ve achieved over the last 365 days. It’s the perfect opportunity to realign your goals and set your intentions for the months ahead.
Whatever way you wish to celebrate Matariki this year, let it be full of kai, aroha and whānau time.
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