Matariki Puanga

The celebration of Matariki Puanga, the Māori New Year, dates back over 700 years. Celebrate with spectacular free, whānau-friendly events.

What's on this page

About Matariki Puanga Matariki Ahi Kā (event) Mana Moana Pōneke (event) Getting there Other Matariki events Matariki Puanga traditions in our region
A crowd of onlookers watching an audiovisual display projected on the exterior walls of Te Papa during a past Matariki event.
Nō Rua, nō Mango, nō runga i te rangi (photography by Storybox)

About Matariki Puanga

The rising of Puanga (also known as the star Rigel in Orion) and the Matariki star cluster (Pleiades, or the Seven Sisters) mark the Māori New Year and is a time to reflect on our loved ones who have passed and to prepare for the New Year, as we enter the colder months. 

Puanga is a single whetū (star). It’s not part of the Matariki cluster but appears in the evening sky shortly before Matariki rises each year. Puanga rises higher in the sky than Matariki so it’s recognised by iwi and hapū that can’t see Matariki from their location. 

 Matariki Puanga celebrates our unique location in Te Upoko-o-te-ika. The shape of the landscape means that in some areas only Puanga can be seen, like in Waiwhetū in Lower Hutt, home to Te Āti Awa ki Te Upoko o Te Ika a Māui. But on the west coast in Porirua, within the boundaries of Ngāti Toa,  Matariki is clearly visible. 

Being a region surrounded by hills and mountain ranges, there are many vantage points where both are visible – here in Te Upoko-o-te-ika we have something special. This gives us the opportunity to celebrate both events in our region.

Puanga and Matariki is a time to get together, to restore faith and hope for the future, to celebrate whanaungatanga (kinship), to be with others, to share stories and kai, and plan to work towards a sustainable future.

Learn more about Matariki Puanga

Matariki events 2024

Pou Ahi fire pillar by David Hakaraia.

Matariki Ahi Kā

Āhea | When 6pm–9pm, Thursday 27 June - Sunday 30 June 2024
Ki hea | Where Wellington Waterfront | View on Google Maps, Te Papa | View on Google Maps
Te utu | Cost Free

We invite you to celebrate the Māori New Year in a uniquely Wellington way.

Honour our culture and history, with a big, bold, immersive Wellington Waterfront walk-through journey including fire, projections, performances, and a special ceremony to honour those who have passed away and to express our hopes for the future. Attendees are invited to write down the names of loved ones who have passed away since last Matariki, memories, and wishes and hopes for the future, and place these in the baskets provided at the Memorial Wall and Whairepo lagoon before 7.30pm. The ‘Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-rangi’ ceremony begins at the Memorial Wall each evening at 7.45pm and moves along Te Papa Promenade to Whairepo Lagoon, where names and memories, wishes, and hopes, will be released into flames to become stars. Share kai with friends and whānau each evening at the Odlins Plaza Kai Court, while listening to performers on the Aroha Stage.

Matariki Ahi Kā is always a well-attended event. Please be mindful of others and keep an eye on your tamariki. Some of the projections run on a three-year cycle, but there will always be something new to experience at this special event.

For event updates and cancellations please visit the Matariki Ahi Kā Facebook event page.

Food vendor registrations for Matariki Ahi Kā have now closed.

Map and programme

Download the Matariki Ahi Kā map (249KB PDF) and programme (50KB PDF).

Mana Moana water screen projection by Storybox.

Mana Moana Pōneke

Āhea | When 6pm–9pm, 15-16 June, 22-23 June, 27-30 June
Ki hea | Where Whairepo Lagoon | View on Google Maps
Te utu | Cost Free

In the lead-up to Ahi Kā and during the long weekend, enjoy a series of indigenous short films showcasing stories of our ocean, projected on a water screen. Watch as millions of water droplets fall and catch the light, creating the illusion of images appearing from the darkness and floating on the water.

Mana Moana Pōneke is a collaboration between Māori and Pasifika musicians, artists, writers, and choreographers.

For event updates and cancellations please visit the Mana Moana Pōneke Facebook event page.

Getting there

Other Matariki events

Check out the other Matariki events happening around the city and the region.

 

Matariki Puanga traditions in our region

He mihi nā te mana whenua o Te Upoko-o-te-Ika - an introduction from our mana whenua

Tērā Puanga ka rewa i te pae
Nau mai, hara mai ngā hua o te tau
Tākiri ko te ata, ka pua te ata
Korihi te manu tino awatea
Ko te tangi mai o te kō, kō korimako
i te atatū, tū ka takatū ki te ao mārama Tēnei
te raukura, tēnei te rauhuia, tēnā koutou
katoa

Behold the rise of Rigel.
Welcome the fruits of the new year.
As dawn strikes, morning blooms
The early bird calls.
It is the call of the bellbird
After sun rise, prepared for the world of light.
Here is the plume of the Toroa, here is the
feather of the Huia. Greetings to you all

In the last few years, Aotearoa New Zealand has embraced the celebration of Matariki, the Māori New Year. Riding the wave of interest from all walks of life, as mana whenua, we’d like to share some of the whakaaro (thinking) about the authentic Matariki tradition in Te Upoko o te Ika a Māui, and about the lesser-known single star Puanga.

Ngāti Toa and Te Āti Awa ki te Upoko o te Ika a Māui, alongside Wellington city and regional councils, have come together in acknowledgment of the shared significance of Matariki and Puanga.

We invite you and your whānau, iwi and communities to share in our knowledge and tikanga and explore the ways that we can all celebrate and uplift Matariki and Puanga this year.

  • Kura Moeahu – Tiamana (Chairman), Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa ki te Upoko o Te Ika a Māui
  • Dr Te Taku Parai – Pou Tikanga, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira

Highlights from previous year

See the photos below for an overview of our 2023 Matariki Ahi Kā event.

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