Ten Best Things to See and Do at Matariki Festival 2016

Centuries ago before Aotearoa's colonisation, Maori people were keen observers of the night sky and the nga whetu - the eternal shining ones. Constellations were given solemn meaning and assigned epic legends, none more significant than the legends and title given to the Pleiades constellation, or Matariki.

This constellation consists of a bright star (Matariki - the mother) surrounded by six smaller stars, the daughters. Their disappearance in the West marks a time of sorrow and remembrance for Maori while their reappearance in the East heralds the start of a new year, a time of light, new beginnings and celebration.

So to help you get into the spirit of one of Aotearoa's oldest and most colourful celebrations, we've whipped up a handy list of the ten best Matariki activities in Auckland.

1. Te Wananga o Aotearoa Kapa Haka Super 12s

When: July 9 2016
Where: The Cloud, Queens Wharf, Auckland CBD

In this open event - groups sign up to perform on the big stage at the Cloud in front of thousands in a diverse showcase of Kapa Haka in all shapes and sizes. Often considered the centerpiece of Auckland's Matariki festival, this is a vibrant and fun celebration of what it means to be Maori. There's still time to register if you fancy yourself a Kapa Haka master, or if you (like me) would rather avoid the spotlight and enjoy the show then entry is free.

2. Studio One Toi Tu

When: June 29 - July 16 2016
Where: 1 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby

Down the end of Ponsonby Road you'll find Studio One - an art gallery and public space dedicated to showcasing the creativity of locals and using it to bring people together. The awesome team behind the venue are going all out for Matariki, hosting Maori Culture themed events including a showing of Maori Short films, several exhibitions of prominent Maori artists and even a free hangi open to the public. FREE HANGI!

3. Te Ara Rama Matariki Light Trail

When: July 2-9 2016
Where: Maybury Park, 108 Line Road, Glen Innes

Come early July, Maybury Reserve in Glen Innes will transform from a run of the mill public park into a mystical, fluro-lit spectacle. Layer up and bring some mates to walk along flax lined pathways amidst thousands of fairy lights, then stick around to catch local musicians in concert and free soup with Maori bread from 7pm. The finale on Saturday, July 9 even includes an epic fireworks display set to Maori music from 9:15 pm.

4. Te Oro Markets

When: July 9 2016
Where: Te Oro, 98 Line Rd, Glen Innes

This Glen Innes community centre and creative hub is hosting a maori food market, from the 2nd to the 9th of March. A hodge podge of food trucks will show up serving up classic Maori kai, just like your nana used to. Te Oro is also hosting a night market featuring the wares of local creators such as crafts - which happens to be located right next to the aforementioned night trail, so you might as well make a night of it.

5. Mana Wahine

When: June 7-11 2016
Where: Q Theatre, 305 Queen Street

Okareka Dance Company, a 5 strong all female performance troupe, returns with this highly acclaimed exploration of the spirit and strength of woman. Drawing inspiration from Maori culture Mana Wahine tells the inspirational tale of Te Aokapurangi, a young woman centuries ago who courageously saves her tribe from slaughter. Using the mediums of movement, theatre and film this work celebrates Maori women and culture and will surely help get you in the spirit for Matariki.

6. Whaia Te Mana Motuhake

When: June 18, 2016
Where: Neck of the Woods, 155B Karangahape Rd

Neck of the Woods is hosting a unique look into the Maori culture through the modern lenses of music and fashion. World renowned fashion designer Shone Tawhio will showcase her futuristic take on Maori wearables throughout the night while aural entertainment will be curated by a who's who of Maori musicians. These include Soul Diva Nat Rose, RnB sensation Te Karehana Gardiner-Toi and dancehall Queen Silva MC as well as DJing courtesy of the Waxed Crew Collective.

7. Matariki Season @Basement

When: June 21 - July 2 2016
Where: Lower Greys Ave, Auckland

This underground bastion of Kiwi comedy, art and performance is going all out to celebrate Matariki, hosting a range of themed performances, exhibits and events for the occasion. Highlights include a screening of Maori short films curated by Ngā Aho Whakaari (Maori In Screen Production) and Glimmer, the debut play by local writer Jason Te Kare which explores how Maori gods and mythology find their place in modern New Zealand. (Bonus - heaps of the events are free so get amongst).

8. Matariki Seven Fires Film Showcase

When: June 11 2016
Where: Cnr Kitchener and Wellesley Streets (Auditorium, lower ground level)

In reference to the seven stars of Matariki, seven renowned  filmmakers from Aotearoa, Samoa, USA, Canada and Australia have contributed to this showcase of indigenous film and experimental visual art. Works will be shown on the big screen at Auckland Art Gallery. Tickets are free and films run from 11am to 5pm, June 11 2016.

9. Purapurawhetū - Shining Stars

When: July 6 - 16 2016
Where: Te Pou Theatre - 44A Portage Road, New Lynn & Herald Theatre - 50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland

The renowned and much loved Maori play is being recreated in celebration of Matariki by local troupe "Ruia Taitea Creative". The play will be presented in full Te Reo, telling the story of a young man building tukutuku panels for a new Marae, before a mysterious old woman arrives to help him. The old woman tells tales of a storied past, weaving a dark yet hopeful fable immersing its audience in contemporary Maori culture.

10. Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu

When: June 30 - September 11 2016
Where: The Auckland Domain, Parnell

In celebration of Matariki Auckland's premier cultural and historical museum is dedicating an exhibition to to prominent contemporary artists and crafters Areta Wilkinson and Te Rongo Kirkwood. Wilkinson and Kirkwood were both invited to choose pieces from the museum which influenced their own work, so that the they can be displayed side by side creating a fascinating link between contemporary and ancient Maori culture. The exhibition will feature contemporary kākahu (cloaks), jewellery and sculptural works, as well as significant objects drawn from the Museum's taonga Māori, Botany and Applied Arts collections, including some of Aotearoa's finest kākahu on display for the first time.