Eight Brilliant Ways to Celebrate Maori New Year in Auckland
Celebrate Matariki with street parties, gourmet hāngi 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 22 June – 14 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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EventManu Aute Kite Day
Sat, 29 Jun, 2019
Auckland Various, Auckland
Connect heaven and earth with this universal tradition.
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EventMatariki on the Waterfront 2019
Fri, 5 Jul - Sun, 7 Jul 2019
Silo Park, Auckland
Gather for this three-day Matariki celebration on the waterfront.
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EventInMotion Matariki 2019
Sat, 6 Jul, 2019
Silo Park, Auckland
A truly lit, all-wheels parade in celebration of Māori New Year.
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EventHangi at Britomart
Wed, 26 Jun - Sun, 30 Jun 2019
Takutai Square, Britomart
The chefs from Auckland's first in-ground hāngi cafe will be digging up Takutai Square to celebrate Māori New Year.
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EventTurama Festival
Fri, 26 Jul - Sun, 28 Jul 2019
Albert Park, Albert Park
A magical festival of light is taking over Albert Park for Matariki.
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EventStellar Festival of Lights 2019
Fri, 12 Jul - Sun, 14 Jul 2019
Smales Farm, North Shore
The commercial park comes alight for this family-friendly event.
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EventMatariki Indian Styles
Sun, 30 Jun, 2019
The Tasting Shed, Kumeu
An east-meets-Polynesia collaboration to ring in Māori New Year.
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EventTe Korakora on Federal 2019
Fri, 12 Jul, 2019
Federal Street, Auckland, Auckland
The Matariki street party returns.