Six Ways to Mark Midwinter Matariki

Celebrate the Maori New Year with indigenous cuisine, spine-tingling kapa haka and stories around a fire.

Frances Speer
June 13, 2017

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.

List

Map

Event
The Matariki Ritual

Friday, June 16, 2017
Te Papa Museum, Wellington

Rug up warm, bring a blanket and someone to snuggle up to.

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Event
Te Oro o nga Whetu: The Echo of the Stars

Saturday, June 17, 2017
Various Venues in Wellington, Wellington

Open your ears as the music of Aotearoa's cultures intertwine.

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Event
Nga Kai o Matariki: Celebrating Maori Cuisine

Saturday, June 17, 2017
Te Papa Museum, Wellington

Celebrating our own indigenous food culture.

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Event
Kaumatua Kapa Haka

Saturday, June 24, 2017
Te Papa Museum, Wellington

Spine tingles and goosebumps are guaranteed.

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Event
Matariki Dawn, an installation by Michel Tuffery and Yvonne de Mille

Saturday, June 10 - Sunday, July 30, 2017
Mahara Gallery, Waikanae

A metaphor for renewal.

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Event
The Mooncake and the Kumara

Wednesday, June 21 - Saturday, June 24, 2017
Hannah Playhouse, Te Aro

A story about history, duty, secrets and the delicate balance needed to grow families.

Buy Tickets

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