The Eight Best Things to Do for Matariki Festival in Auckland
Celebrate the Māori New Year with street parties, gourmet hangi and illuminated dance-theatre on wheels.
In Māori culture the dawn of a new year aligns with the rise of the Pleiades constellation — otherwise known as Matariki. Appearing late May through June, the constellation was once used for navigation and timing the seasons. Now, it's recognised as a time to honour Aotearoa's Māori identity, to reflect, look forward and connect with friends and whānau. To mark the occasion, every year Auckland Council presents Matariki Festival — a three-week program of events. This year's festivities will run from 30 June – 22 July across Tāmaki Makaurau with film screenings, street festivals, thought-provoking theatre, glow-in-the-dark puppet shows and Māori art workshops.
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Event
Te Korakora on Federal
Friday, July 20, 2018
Federal Street, Auckland, Auckland
The Matariki street party returns for its third year.
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Event
Gourmet Hangi
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Auckland Various, Auckland
A modern take on New Zealand’s oldest dish.
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Event
Te Waka Huia
Tuesday, July 3 - Saturday, July 7, 2018
Basement Theatre, Auckland
A theatrical tribute to the victims and families of the 1963 Brynderwyn bus crash.
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Event
Stellar at Smales Farm 2018
Friday, July 13 - Sunday, July 15, 2018
Smales Farm, North Shore
The commercial park comes alight for this family-friendly event.
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Event
Matariki on the Waterfront 2018
Friday, July 20 - Sunday, July 22, 2018
Silo Park, Auckland
The waterfront community space will be transformed with art installations, hearty kai and festive entertainment.
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Event
Turama: Matariki Light Trail
Friday, July 6 - Monday, July 9, 2018
Arataki Visitor Centre, Waitakere
Explore illuminated walkways drawing inspiration from the nine stars of Matariki.
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Event
InMotion Matariki
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Silo Park, Auckland
A truly lit, all wheels parade in celebration of Māori New Year.
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Event
Maumahara Girlie
Tuesday, July 3 - Saturday, July 7, 2018
Basement Theatre, Auckland
A digital age theatrical approach to colonisation and internalised whakama.