Six Ways to Mark Midwinter Matariki
Celebrate the Maori New Year with indigenous cuisine, spine-tingling kapa haka and stories around a fire.
Matariki is Aotearoa's own indigenous midwinter celebration and takes its name from a cluster of stars which rise and become visible in the pre-dawn sky in June, 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.
A constellation of local museums and galleries are holding events to celebrate Matariki that'll fill your mind, heart and tummy. Here's our pick of what you should check out during the 10-day festival.
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EventThe Matariki Ritual
Fri, 16 Jun, 2017
Te Papa Museum, Wellington
Rug up warm, bring a blanket and someone to snuggle up to.
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EventTe Oro o nga Whetu: The Echo of the Stars
Sat, 17 Jun 2017
Various Venues in Wellington, Wellington
Open your ears as the music of Aotearoa's cultures intertwine.
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EventNga Kai o Matariki: Celebrating Maori Cuisine
Sat, 17 Jun, 2017
Te Papa Museum, Wellington
Celebrating our own indigenous food culture.
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EventKaumatua Kapa Haka
Sat, 24 Jun, 2017
Te Papa Museum, Wellington
Spine tingles and goosebumps are guaranteed.
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EventMatariki Dawn, an installation by Michel Tuffery and Yvonne de Mille
Sat, 10 Jun - Sun, 30 Jul 2017
Mahara Gallery, Waikanae
A metaphor for renewal.
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EventThe Mooncake and the Kumara
Wed, 21 Jun - Sat, 24 Jun 2017
Hannah Playhouse, Te Aro
A story about history, duty, secrets and the delicate balance needed to grow families.