Matariki will be on 20 June this year, and marks the rising of the star cluster also known as Pleiades in the winter night sky. This year’s theme of Matariki mā Puanga highlights communities who observe the star Puanga as the sign of the season, and is all about celebrating and learning about the Māori new year together.

The theme celebrates the rereketanga or diversity found within different iwi traditions.

“Matariki and Puanga are stars that sit in the night sky together to signal the start of the Māori new year for different iwi,” says the government’s Chief Advisor Mātauranga Matariki, Professor Rangi Matamua.  

Many Tohu Whenua are celebrating Matariki mā Puanga with special events – find one near you.

Te Tai Tokerau Northland

Waitangi Treaty Grounds: Free open day Sunday 22 June

Visit Waitangi and enjoy a full programme of free guided tours and cultural performances free of charge. Explore the two contemporary museums Te Rau Aroha Museum of the Price of Citizenship and Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi, Te Whare Rūnanga, the Treaty House and one of the world's largest ceremonial waka. Check out the gift shop for Matariki specials and Whare Waka Café for the Matariki Menu.

Check out the Waitangi website for more information. 

Te Waimate Mission

Te Waimate Mission are inviting visitors to help them decorate a Matariki installation with some crafty stars while learning all about Ngā Whetū o Matariki. You can also dedicate a star to a loved one and add it to the special memory tree. More information can be found at the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga website.

Kororipo Heritage Park

At the Stone Store & The Honey House Café, visitors are invited to plant seeds in a pulp paper container with potting mix and then take them home and watch them grow. Matariki star colouring-in for tamariki will also be available. More information can be found at the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga website.

Otago

Olveston House

To celebrate Matariki mā Puanga, Olveston House is waiving their usual entry fee on Friday 20 June. 

Olveston was once home to one of the city's most philanthropic families, the Theomins, who donated their house to the people of Dunedin. The Theomin family embodied the spirit of Matariki by honouring those past, celebrating the present and looking to the future. Through education, the arts and humanitarian projects, they encouraged the growth of young people in Dunedin and beyond.

For more information check out the Olveston House website. 

Arrowtown

It’s all about astrophotography in Arrowtown this Matariki. Check out the Winterstellar Astrophotography Exhibition on at the Lakes District Museum Art Gallery which runs until 27 July. Tamariki will enjoy the Matariki Whetu Hunt for children in the museum.

Local astronomer, Kris, will also be out every night for two weeks with his super strong telescope and cameras. Check out his Instagram for more information or email astronomyden@gmail.com. 

Central Otago Rail Trail

Māniatoto/Maniopoto is where it's all happening this Matariki with lights, ice, art fashion, music, vintage wheels and local flair. Check out the Lohi fashion fundraiser in Ranfurly or head to Glow on Ice and more at Naseby's Maniototo Adventure Park. Check out the full programme here.  

Historic Ōamaru 

Oamaru will celebrate Māori New Year with a range of activities at the Ōamaru Library and Service Centre (and beyond). The library will host lantern-making and Matariki storytime sessions for Tamariki, and a community waiata session. Check out their Facebook page for the info. 

Waitaki District Youth Council are leading a wintery beach clean-up campaign on Tuesday 17 June. Free sausage sizzle for all helpers! More info here.

Also on Tuesday is a talk at the Forrester Gallery with Karl McNamara, son of local astronomer and astrophotographer Danny McNamara. Karl will share more about the exhibition of his father’s work currently being exhibited at the Forrester. 
 
On Thursday 19 June Māori Astronomer Damien McNamara will guide an early morning viewing (plus waiata!) of the Matariki cluster Makotukutuku (Cape Wanbrow Lookout).  

Te Tai Poutini West Coast

Matariki Market at the Mawhera Pounamu Pathway Centre in Greymouth. Check out their Facebook page for more info.