Matariki is being embraced all over Wellington, and many of our grant recipients and Council Controlled Organisations are leading the way – discover a selection of events happening below.
Whetū Whitu
Courtenay Place Lightboxes
June 1 - August 20
Matariki is a time for gathering and sharing, a gathering of people and sharing of stories. Whetū Whitu by Matthew McIntyre Wilson is a series of brooches presented as large scale photographs that reflect the importance of Matariki and Puanga.
Matariki artworks around the city
This year’s Matariki public art project, WAITUHI, includes a series of flags designed by artist Sian Montgomery-Neutze. You can see them at Frank Kitts Park and Toi Pōneke Arts Centre. Look out also for WAITUHI artworks by Angela Kilford and Aliyah Winter, on display on the Jervois Quay overbridge and on billboards at the Railway Station from 18 June for three weeks.
Celebrate Māori New Year at inner city garden
Bond Street Community Garden
Friday 15 June
12 Noon–2.30pm
Learn more about te ao Māori and Matariki this Rāmere. Help us prepare the garden for spring, discover taonga from your local library, share kai and kawakawa tea – or just relax on a bean bag!
Matariki at the zoo
Wellington Zoo
16-17 June
Visit the Zoo to celebrate the start of Matariki. There will be many fun activities for you to participate in such as: making your own Matariki lantern to light up the winter sky; learning the Te Reo Māori names of the animals at the Zoo, and giving the animals harakeke whetū (flax star) enrichment to keep them busy.
Public korero at Central Library for Matariki
June 18-19
65 Victoria Street
Come and hear two speakers discussing winter food traditions and whakapapa resources at the library. Visit the website for more information about events and times.
Matariki morning
Capital E
Tuesday 19 June
10am-11.30am
A fun morning celebrating Matariki with craft activities, Moira Wairama's legendary story time and Waiata singing with Lala from Community Music Junction.
Whanau Day - E Kohiko Ana Matariki
Capital E
Saturday 23 June
9.30am-3.30pm
Let's celebrate Matariki with our friends and family with Kapa Haka performances, cultural craft activities and kite-making! Storyteller Moira Wairama will also be coming in to share some Māori myths and legends with the tamariki.
Story-telling at 11-11:30am will be accompanied by NZSL interpreter.
Timotimo Under the Stars
Space Place at Carter Observatory
27 June 6.30-7.15pm
28 June 8-8.45pm
Celebrate Matariki at Space Place. Join Timotimo under the stars in the Planetarium dome for magical Matariki stories.
This 45-minute session transports you to the stars and back through waiata, tāonga pūoro and movement. General admission charges apply.
Te reo Pākehā
Toi Pōneke
June 29-July 21
Te reo Māori, like any language is important to the vitality and meaning of culture. The exhibition Te Reo Pākehā asks how we understand these meanings when looking at Te Reo Māori as a non-Māori or as a Māori disconnected from learning the language in the home?
Matariki dawn viewing
Mt Victoria lookout
Saturday 30 June
5am-7am
Enjoy a special opportunity to view the rise of Matariki from Tangi te Keo/Mount Victoria summit.
Matariki at the Miramar and Maupuia Community Centre
27 Chelsea St
Saturday 7 July
5.30-7.30pm
Celebrate Matariki with music and kai. Free entry, all welcome, Hangi $10.