Matariki ki Pōneke

Nau mai, haere mai. Wellington City Council invites you to Matariki ki Pōneke, to celebrate the Māori New Year. Enjoy a stunning free whānau experience, with a fabulous Matariki Fireworks display. 

Matariki is a time for remembering the past, celebrating the present and looking to the future. 

Matariki ki Pōneke includes our free, whānau friendly Ahi Kā and Matariki Fireworks events. 

Food trucks will be on site on the fireworks night only. To support local businesses, we encourage you to grab a bite to eat in the city on our other Matariki ki Pōneke evenings. 

Ahi Kā 

Āhea | When  Thursday 23 - Sunday 26 June, 6pm - 9pm
Ki hea | Where  Te Papa, Wellington Waterfront, Te Ngākau Civic Square
Te utu | Cost  Free

Remember and honour our culture, heritage and community, with a walk-through journey through fire, imagery and stories. This immersive experience includes projections, displays, performances, fire and light. 

Matariki Fireworks

Āhea | When  Friday 24 June, 7.15pm. Postponement dates 25 or 26 June – visit our Facebook page for updates.
Ki hea | Where  Wellington Waterfront
Te utu | Cost  Free

We are lighting up the sky with a fabulous fireworks display to celebrate the Māori New Year. Food trucks will be on site on the Matariki Fireworks night only.

Programme

Thursday 23 June 

6pm - 9pm Ahi Kā – a journey through fire, imagery, and stories.
6pm Karakia outside Te Papa, followed by a multi-performer Drum Wave (Distributed Rhythms United Mix), created on the Ara Moana waterfront by Te Kōkī - New Zealand School of Music Director Sally Jane Norman, in collaboration with composer Riki Gooch.
7pm Drum Wave on waterfront. 

Friday 24 June

4pm - 8.30pm Food trucks (fireworks night only). 
6pm - 9pm Ahi Kā – a journey through fire, imagery, and stories.
7.15pm Matariki Fireworks (postponement dates 25 or 26 June). 

Saturday 25 June 

6pm - 9pm Ahi Kā – a journey through fire, imagery, and stories.
6pm Drum Wave on waterfront.
7pm Drum Wave on waterfront.

Sunday 26 June 

6pm - 9pm Ahi Kā – a journey through fire, imagery, and stories.
6pm Drum Wave on waterfront.
7pm Drum Wave on waterfront.

There will also be a number of Matariki themed installations and exhibitions to enjoy around the city in June. 

• The Courtenay Place Light Boxes will feature Whakapapa te Pō te Ao from 28 May, beautiful works by artist Tanya Te Miringa Te Rorarangi Ruka. 
• The Waituhi flags, and a mural on the Frank Kitts park waterfront doors, will feature designs by artist Tane Morris. 
• Masons Screen

Visit Toi Pōneke Arts Centre for their exhibitions.

Highlights from Matariki ki Pōneke Festival 2021