Matariki rises in mid-winter, bringing with it the dawn of the Māori New Year. Literally translated as the 'eyes of god' (mata ariki) or 'little eyes' (mata riki), traditionally the brighter the star cluster, the more plentiful the coming season's harvest.
In recent years Matariki has been more widely celebrated, with more on offer as each year passes. The Matariki Festival is the perfect mid-winter festival to light up the city — throw off those blankets and go and explore the vast array of events on offer.
For the second year, Matariki-style street party Te Korakora will ignite Federal Street with Māori inspired food and traditional music and dance.
Image: Serena Stevenson