Matariki mā Puanga is the unifying theme for New Zealand’s 2025 Matariki celebrations, running from 7 June to 13 July. This year’s focus is on inclusion, embracing diversity, and celebrating Matariki together, inviting people of all backgrounds to come together in unity, reflection, and celebration. It’s a powerful reminder that Matariki is for everyone — a time to honour shared values, strengthen community bonds, and welcome all voices into the conversation.

Throughout Aotearoa, communities are bringing this theme to life through a diverse range of inclusive events — dawn ceremonies, storytelling sessions, collaborative art installations, kapa haka, and intergenerational learning activities. From Auckland’s Te Hui Ahurei o Matariki at the Botanic Gardens to Tauranga’s multicultural workshops, every celebration offers a unique space to come together as whānau, friends, neighbours, and nations.

Whether you’re sharing kai with others, planting trees in your community, or learning from kaumātua and tamariki alike, Matariki mā Puanga encourages participation, understanding, and unity. It’s a time to honour the past with aroha, celebrate the present with joy, and build a future grounded in kotahitanga (togetherness), respect, and collective hope.

Matariki Festival 2025 in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)

Matariki Festival 2025 in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) invites communities from all walks of life to come together in a spirit of celebration, reflection, and renewal. Running from 7 June to 13 July, this year’s festival embraces the theme Matariki mā Puanga — celebrating inclusion, diversity, and unity under the rising stars of the Māori New Year.

Across Auckland, a vibrant calendar of events — including dawn ceremonies, kapa haka, storytelling, night markets, and immersive art installations — will bring people together to share in whānau, kai, and culture. Whether you’re stargazing at Stardome, listening to stories from kaumātua, or joining in the festivities at Te Hui Ahurei o Matariki, the celebrations offer a welcoming space for everyone to honour the Māori New Year with heart, aroha, and community spirit.

Ngā Toi o te Tāhuhu

• Dates: 24 May – 5 July 2025
• Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Venue: Māngere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku, Corner Bader Drive and Orly Avenue, Māngere, Auckland
• Description: An exhibition celebrating Māori visual arts, featuring works that explore the theme of water and its significance in Māori culture.

Ngā Whetū o Te Tau Hou / The Stars of the New Year

• Dates: 27 May – 13 July 2025
• Time: 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm
• Venue: Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, 670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland
• Description: An immersive experience exploring the Matariki star cluster, its stories, and significance in Māori astronomy.

Ngā Whetū o Takurua (The Stars of Winter)

• Dates: 27 May – 24 June 2025
• Time: 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
• Venue: Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, 670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland
• Description: Evening sessions focusing on the winter night sky, highlighting the Matariki cluster and its role in marking the Māori New Year.

Pauline Yearbury: Life in Forms

• Dates: 7 June – 13 July 2025
• Time: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Venue: Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery, 420 Titirangi Road, Titirangi, Auckland
• Description: An exhibition showcasing the works of Pauline Yearbury (Ngāpuhi, 1926–1977), one of the first Māori artists to incorporate Māori cultural narratives into contemporary art. Her work is characterized by a bold and illustrative style.

Te Huinga Tai – The Gathering of Tides

• Dates: 7 June – 13 July 2025
• Time: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• Venue: 2 Airedale Street, Auckland City Centre
• Description: An art installation reflecting on the convergence of tides, symbolizing unity and the flow of life, aligning with the festival’s water theme.

Tūrama

• Dates: 7 June – 13 July 2025
• Time: All day
• Venue: Various locations along Queen Street, Auckland City Centre
• Description: Large-scale illuminated art installations transforming Queen Street into a vibrant celebration of Matariki and its themes.

Taurima

• Dates: 7 June – 13 July 2025
• Time: All day
• Venue: 2 Elliott Street, Auckland City Centre
• Description: Public art installations celebrating Matariki, focusing on community and the interconnectedness of people and nature.

Explore & Create at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

• Dates: 7 – 29 June 2025
• Time: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Venue: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Wellesley Street East, Auckland City Centre
• Description: Family-friendly art workshops and activities inspired by Matariki, encouraging creativity and cultural engagement.

Te Reo Words – Neon Art on Lorne Street

• Dates: 7 June – 13 July 2025
• Time: All day
• Venue: 44–46 Lorne Street, Auckland City Centre
• Description: Neon art installations featuring te reo Māori words, illuminating the street and promoting the Māori language.

PAPA Woven Wearable Arts Showcase

• Date: 7 June 2025
• Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
• Venue: Kāhui St David’s, 70 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland
• Description: A showcase of wearable art pieces, blending traditional Māori weaving techniques with contemporary fashion.

Matariki Community Planting Day – Green Road Reserve

• Date: 7 June 2025
• Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
• Venue: Green Road Reserve, Sunnyside Road (between 271 and 281), Coatesville, Auckland
• Description: A community planting event to celebrate Matariki, emphasizing environmental stewardship and connection to the land.

Toi ki te Pāka 2025 (Art in the Park)

• Dates: 7 – 13 June 2025
• Time: All day
• Venue: Orangihina Reserve, 465 Te Atatu Road, Te Atatū Peninsula, Auckland
• Description: Outdoor art installations in the park, inviting the community to engage with art in a natural setting.

Wai, Kai & Kapa Haka

A Matariki Celebration at Matakana Village  on Friday 20 June is a four-hour programme from 11am to 3pm is packed with activities that embrace the spiritual and life-giving connection between people and water in te ao Māori, drawing inspiration from the stars Waitī (freshwater), Waitā (saltwater), and Waipuna-ā-rangi (rain) within the Matariki cluster.

It’s a day to experience the beauty and meaning of Matariki through immersive cultural moments, hands-on fun, and incredible kai – all in the heart of Matakana Village.

A partnership between Matakana Village & Farmers Market and the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust for a third year running, the event pays testament to tradition, embracing Matariki in a meaningful way and providing a place to reflect, reset, and come together as whānau. 

Matariki 2025 in Wellington

Wellington warmly welcomes the Māori New Year with a rich tapestry of Matariki 2025 events, blending tradition, storytelling, and community spirit. Central to the celebrations is Matariki Ahi Kā, taking place from 19 to 22 June along the Wellington Waterfront. This immersive experience features fire installations, live performances, and a nightly ceremony honoring those who have passed, fostering reflection and unity. Complementing this is Mana Moana Pōneke, where indigenous short films are projected onto a water screen at Whairepo Lagoon on select evenings, creating a mesmerizing fusion of art and nature.

The city’s cultural venues also join the festivities. On 10 June, The Opera House hosts the Matariki Glow Show, a family-friendly performance that brings Māori myths to life through glowing puppetry. Te Papa offers an evening of music, storytelling, and workshops on 13 June, celebrating the rising of Matariki and Puanga. Additionally, the Wellington Botanic Garden invites visitors to explore the Display Garden, featuring plants representing each of the Matariki stars, encouraging reflection on their meanings. These events, among others, provide opportunities for the Wellington community and visitors to engage with the traditions and contemporary expressions of Matariki, fostering a sense of unity and cultural appreciation.

1. Matariki Ahi Kā

• Dates: Thursday 19 June – Sunday 22 June 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Location: Wellington Waterfront, including areas around Te Papa and Whairepo Lagoon
• Cost: Free
• Description: Matariki Ahi Kā is a vibrant celebration marking the Māori New Year. The festival features an immersive walk-through journey along the waterfront, incorporating fire installations, projections, live performances, and a nightly ceremony to honor those who have passed away. Attendees can enjoy kai (food) from various vendors and share in the communal atmosphere.

2. Mana Moana Pōneke

• Dates: 7–8 June, 14–15 June, and 19–22 June 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Location: Whairepo Lagoon
• Cost: Free
• Description: As part of the Matariki Ahi Kā celebrations, Mana Moana Pōneke presents a series of indigenous short films projected onto a water screen. This collaboration between Māori and Pasifika artists creates a mesmerizing experience, with images appearing to float on the water, celebrating the connection to the ocean and storytelling traditions.

3. Matariki Glow Show

• Date: Tuesday 10 June 2025
• Location: The Opera House, Wellington
• Description: The Matariki Glow Show brings the Matariki myths to life with unique puppetry that glows under UV lights. It’s a family-friendly performance that entertains and educates, featuring positive and uplifting messages in a bilingual format.

4. After Dark: Matariki at Te Papa

• Date: Friday 13 June 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM
• Location: Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington
• Description: Celebrate the rising of Matariki and Puanga with an evening of music, storytelling, mātauranga (Māori knowledge systems), workshops, and kai (food) at Te Papa.

5. The Tīwhas: A Matariki Spectacular

• Dates: Specific dates not provided
• Location: Circa Theatre, Wellington
• Description: The Tīwhas: A Matariki Spectacular is a performance that is part of the Matariki Events 2025. Details about the show are limited, but it is listed as an all-ages event presented by Circa Theatre.

6. He ngā Whetu reo o te Matariki

• Date: Friday 28 June 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Location: Strathmore Park Community Centres, Te Tūhunga Rau, 108 Strathmore Avenue; Raukawa Community Centre, 67 Raukawa Street, Wellington
• Description: He ngā Whetu reo o te Matariki is a community event inviting people to gather, share soul food, and sing together in celebration of Matariki.

7. He Maruāpō Huna, He Maruāpō Tūmatarau a Matariki

Date: Saturday 31 May 2025

• Location: Pipitea Marae & Function Centre, Wellington
• Description: He Maruāpō Huna, He Maruāpō Tūmatarau a Matariki is an event taking place at Pipitea Marae & Function Centre. Specific details about the event’s activities are not provided.

Major Matariki Events in Christchurch – June 2025

Christchurch’s Matariki 2025 celebrations offer a vibrant array of events that honor the Māori New Year through art, culture, and community engagement. From immersive light displays to traditional performances and family-friendly activities, the city invites everyone to partake in this significant time of reflection and renewal.

1. Tīrama Mai – Festival of Light and Storytelling

• Dates: Wednesday 18 – Sunday 22 June
• Times: Wednesday: 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM; Thursday–Sunday: 2:30 PM – 9:30 PM
• Locations: Te Puna o Waiwhetū Christchurch Art Gallery, The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, Worcester Boulevard, and Riverside Market
• Description: A free, family-friendly festival celebrating Puaka Matariki with artistic lighting, storytelling, and cultural displays. The event features illuminated artworks, projections, music soundscapes, and interactive installations by Ngāi Tahu artists, creating an immersive experience that spans key cultural venues in the city.

2. Matariki 2025 at The Arts Centre

• Dates: Saturday 7 – Sunday 22 June
• Location: Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard
• Description: A vibrant programme featuring live performances, visual art, kapa haka, workshops, a night market (mākete), and delicious kai. Highlights include performances by The Māori Sidesteps and various family-friendly activities.

3. Matariki in the Zone

• Date: Saturday 21 June
• Location: Richmond Community Garden, 46A Vogel Street, Richmond
• Description: An accessible, welcoming winter event highlighting the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor. The event includes food, music, activities, and a week-long lighting display. A hāngī cooked by the team from Tuahiwi Marae will be served, followed by exciting nighttime activities.

4. Matariki Rail Experience

• Date: Saturday 21 June
• Departure: Addington Railway Station, Christchurch
• Description: A special day return train journey from Christchurch to Kaikōura, offering scenic views and onboard entertainment to celebrate Matariki.

🎶 Music, Workshops & Cultural Performances

5. Matariki for Tamariki Concert for Kids

• Date: Saturday 7 June, 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM
• Location: The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora
• Description: A 40-minute concert designed specifically for younger tamariki, featuring waiata from Loopy Tunes’ latest album, Mā: Matariki for Tamariki.

6. Taonga Pūoro with Mahina – Porotiti Making

• Date: Sunday 8 June
• Location: The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora
• Description: A workshop exploring traditional Māori musical instruments, focusing on the porotiti, a spinning disc instrument. Participants will learn about its cultural significance and create their own.

7. Matariki 2025: The Māori Sidesteps

• Date: Thursday 12 June
• Location: The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora
• Description: A performance by The Māori Sidesteps, blending music and comedy to share stories and celebrate Matariki.

8. Matariki 2025: Poetry with Pūoro – Matariki Edition

• Date: Sunday 15 June
• Location: The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora
• Description: An event combining poetry readings with traditional Māori music, offering a reflective and artistic celebration of Matariki.

9. Matariki Dune Planting

• Date: Saturday 14 June, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Location: New Brighton Library
• Description: Join a community planting event to restore dune ecosystems, starting with a kōrero with Ranger Jason before heading out to plant.

10. Whānau Fun & Wellbeing Day

• Date: Saturday 21 June, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Tūranga
• Description: Celebrate Matariki with stalls supporting whānau wellbeing, crafts, games, waiata, and storytimes.

11. Matariki ki Rehua Whānau Day

• Date: Saturday 28 June
• Location: Rehua Marae, 79 Springfield Road, St Albans
• Description: Join Māori Library Services for storytelling, crafts, Matariki activities, and enjoy kai/food and craft stalls.

These events reflect Christchurch’s commitment to honoring Matariki through diverse and inclusive celebrations. Whether you’re interested in cultural performances, community gatherings, or educational activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this special time.

Puaka Matariki Festival 2025 in Dunedin (Ōtepoti)

Puaka Matariki Festival 2025 in Dunedin (Ōtepoti) is a special time for communities to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate the Māori New Year in the southern style. Running from 7 June to 13 July, the festival honours both Puaka and Matariki, the stars that signal the turning of the seasons and the time to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.

Dunedin’s festival calendar is rich with local storytelling, light installations, educational workshops, shared kai, and community-led events. From school-led performances to fireside whānau gatherings and cultural showcases, the city becomes a vibrant hub of reflection and unity—embracing the theme Matariki ki te Wai and the deep connections between people, place, and the natural world.

🌟 Puaka Matariki Festival 2025 Overview

• Dates: Saturday 14 June – Saturday 12 July 2025
• Location: Various venues across Dunedin (Ōtepoti)
• Description: The Puaka Matariki Festival is a month-long celebration marking the Māori New Year. Unique to Ōtepoti, the festival acknowledges both Puaka and Matariki stars, reflecting Kāi Tahu traditions. The festival encompasses a diverse range of events, including dawn ceremonies, storytelling, art exhibitions, performances, and community gatherings, fostering reflection, renewal, and connection.

Key Events

1. Puaka Matariki Star Trail

• Dates: Monday 17 June – Sunday 7 July 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily
• Locations: Dunedin Public Libraries, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, and Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
• Description: Embark on a self-guided trail to discover hidden stars across key cultural venues. Participants can collect an activity book from any participating location and learn about the whetū (stars) associated with Matariki. This interactive experience is designed for all ages and encourages exploration and learning.

2. Puaka Matariki Hīkoi and Waiata

• Date: Thursday 27 June 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Starting Point: The Octagon, Dunedin
• Route: The Octagon → Dunedin Public Art Gallery → Dunedin City Library → Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
• Description: Join Te Rōpū Waiata o Te Kaunihera-a-rohe o Ōtepoti (Dunedin City Council Waiata Group) for a musical procession through the city, celebrating Matariki with song. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly and are welcome to join at any point along the route. Song sheets will be provided.

3. Matariki Story Reading

• Dates: Friday 2 July – Friday 16 July 2025
• Location: Dunedin Public Art Gallery
• Description: Experience a special reading of “Ngā Whetū Matariki I Whānakotia” (The Stolen Stars of Matariki), written by Miriama Kamo (Kāi Tahu) and read by Tumai Cassidy (Kāi Tahu, Ngā Puhi, Te Āti Awa). This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with Matariki narratives and is suitable for audiences of all ages.

4. Worlds of Wonder – Matariki

• Dates: Thursday 19 June and Saturday 21 June 2025
• Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: Dunedin (specific venue to be confirmed)
• Description: Part of the Matariki Events 2025, “Worlds of Wonder – Matariki” is an immersive experience that combines storytelling, visual displays, and interactive elements to celebrate the Māori New Year. Suitable for all ages, this event invites attendees to explore the wonders of Matariki through a captivating evening program.

Matariki 2025 in Hamilton (Kirikiriroa)

Hamilton (Kirikiriroa) will host a vibrant array of events to celebrate Matariki 2025, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit. From educational workshops to family-friendly performances, the city offers numerous opportunities for reflection, renewal, and connection.

1. Matariki Festival: Haa ki Roto, Haa ki Waho

• Dates: Friday 20 – Saturday 21 June 2025
• Location: Te Whare Taonga o Waikato (Waikato Museum), 1 Grantham Street, Hamilton
• Description: A two-day celebration featuring interactive activities, kapa haka performances, weaving workshops, and community-led events. Friday focuses on introspective family activities, while Saturday offers dynamic performances and workshops in collaboration with Creative Waikato.

2. Matariki Glow Show

• Date: Friday 27 June 2025
• Times: 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM
• Location: Clarence Street Theatre, Hamilton
• Description: A captivating glow-in-the-dark puppet show introducing tamariki to Matariki legends through te reo Māori and English. The performance combines storytelling, music, and visual effects to create an educational and entertaining experience.

3. Maanawatia a Matariki

• Date: Friday 28 June 2025
• Time: From 2:00 PM
• Location: Hamilton Lake Domain
• Description: A free, family-friendly event featuring live music, food trucks, markets, and children’s activities. The celebration includes kapa haka performances and a DJ-led light show, creating a festive atmosphere to honor the Māori New Year.

4. Annual Matariki Multicultural Tree Planting

• Date: Saturday 14 June 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park (Baverstock Road entrance), Hamilton
• Description: A community tree-planting event promoting environmental stewardship and cultural unity. Participants are encouraged to bring gardening tools and enjoy a shared lunch provided by local organizations.

5. Matariki in the City

• Date: Saturday 22 June 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: The Pavilion at Hamilton Gardens
• Description: Celebrate Matariki with a day of performances, workshops, and cultural activities in the heart of the city. This event offers an opportunity for the community to come together and honor the Māori New Year.

6. Wānanga Matariki with Piripi Lambert

• Date: Date to be confirmed
• Location: Te Whare Taonga o Waikato (Waikato Museum), 1 Grantham Street, Hamilton
• Description: An exclusive event where tohunga (expert practitioner) Piripi Lambert shares deep mātauranga Māori insights, revealing the science and pūrākau (narratives) behind the stars. Booking is essential due to limited spaces. Waikato Museum

These events are part of the broader Matariki ki Waikato Festival, which encompasses over 50 activities across the region from 13 June to 13 July 2025. For more information and updates, please visit the Matariki ki Waikato Facebook page.

Matariki 2025 in Tauranga Moana: Celebrating Waipuna-ā-rangi

Tauranga Moana and the Western Bay of Plenty are set to commemorate Matariki 2025 with a vibrant array of events from 28 May to 22 June. This year’s theme, Waipuna-ā-rangi, focuses on the star associated with rain and the life-giving waters that nourish the land. The celebrations aim to honor Māori traditions, foster community connections, and reflect on the cycles of nature.

📅 Key Events

1. Toi Tiaho: Ngā Whetū o Matariki (Painting Matariki Stars)

• Date: Wednesday, 28 May
• Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Location: He Puna Manawa, Tauranga Library, 21 Devonport Road
• Description: An R18 event where participants can create their own Waipuna-ā-rangi-inspired artwork using neon paints under black lights. Light refreshments provided.tauranga.govt.nz

2. Kōrero Ringatoi (Artist Talk)

• Date: Saturday, 31 May
• Time: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
• Location: Ngāi Tukairangi Trust Office, 38 Grey Street
• Description: Artist Arohanoa Mathews discusses a new mural in Tauranga’s CBD honoring the wāhine of Ngāi Tukairangi, exploring themes of identity and cultural pride.Wikipedia+5tauranga.govt.nz+5Matariki Te Tauranga+5

3. Pocket Size Play Toi Tākaro: Hau o Waipuna-ā-rangi

• Date: Saturday, 7 June
• Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Location: He Puna Manawa, Tauranga Library
• Description: A family-friendly workshop crafting modern manu tukutuku (Māori kites), connecting participants to the traditions of Matariki and the elements.tauranga.govt.nz

4. Tākai Tipu: He Wai, He Oranga

• Date: Saturday, 7 June
• Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
• Location: He Puna Manawa, Tauranga Library
• Description: Kylie Willison shares insights on native plant cultivation and environmental restoration, followed by a community plant exchange.tauranga.govt.nz

5. Tauranga Moana Arts Fono

• Date: Saturday, 7 June
• Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: The Cargo Shed, 5 Dive Crescent
• Description: A gathering of artists and creatives to discuss and celebrate Māori art and culture.tauranga.govt.nz

6. Pae Kōrero: Ngā Wai o te Ao

• Date: Saturday, 7 June
• Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: He Puna Manawa, Tauranga Library
• Description: A panel discussion exploring the significance of water in Māori cosmology and its relevance today.Eventfinda

7. matARiki Sculpture Trail 2025

• Dates: Monday, 9 June – Monday, 23 June
• Locations: Masonic Park/Wharf Street (Tauranga CBD), Te Papa o ngā Manu Porotakataka (Mount Maunganui), Western Bay Museum (Katikati), Te Kete Matariki (Te Puke – 20 June only)
• Description: An augmented reality exhibition showcasing digital sculptures by leading Māori artists, celebrating the celestial essence of Waipuna-ā-rangi.tauranga.govt.nzCBOP+1whatsontauranga.co.nz+1tauranga.govt.nz+4whatsontauranga.co.nz+4CBOP+4

8. Matariki Family Day

• Date: Friday, 20 June
• Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Tauranga Racecourse, 1383 Cameron Rd, Greerton
• Description: A family-oriented event featuring cultural performances, activities, and kai to celebrate Matariki.Eventfinda+1Facebook+1

9. Matariki Fest 2025

• Dates: Thursday, 17 July – Sunday, 20 July
• Location: Greerton Community Hall
• Description: Hosted by The House of Dance Tauranga, this festival includes performances and workshops celebrating Matariki.Facebook

For a comprehensive list of events and more details, please refer to the official Matariki Te Tauranga o ngā Waka event booklet: tauranga.govt.nz.Matariki Te Tauranga+3tauranga.govt.nz+3Matariki Te Tauranga+3

If you need further information or assistance planning your Matariki experience in Tauranga, feel free to ask!