Below is a selection of events held around New Zealand celebrating Matariki. Follow the web links to see the full listings.
NOTE: If you know of events we have missed, please get in touch: enquiries@sciencelearn.org.nz.
Nationwide
Glowshow
9 June–23 July: The Matariki Glow Show is back with an all-new, giant-scale puppet show for tamariki, educators and whãnau.
Find out more: www.eventfinda.co.nz/tour/2022/matariki-glow-show
REGENERATE Game Jam – Matariki
17–19 June: REGENERATE Game Jam is a 48-hours of reimagining farming in games to focus on regenerative and sustainable practices. Join the jam to explore and learn from a panel of farmers about traditional and emerging indigenous Māori food production practices, organic and regenerative farming, and help expand the variety of games featuring better farms.
Find out more: https://events.humanitix.com/regenerate-game-jam-matariki
Northland
17 June–31 July: Matariki Pēwhairangi Bay of Islands is packed with events to feed your mind, body, and soul! Story-telling, cultural experiences, Matariki-inspired feasts, artisan markets, music, family fun, and some of the best star-gazing opportunities in the land.
Find out more: https://matarikinz.com/
Auckland
For a full list of events celebrating Matariki in Auckland check out: www.matarikifestival.org.nz/
MOTAT
24–26 June: Moving images of the Matariki constellation will be projected onto the historical Pumphouse at Te Wai Ōrea Western Springs. It will draw attention to the night sky and the rising of the Matariki star cluster.
Find out more: www.motat.nz/experiences/te-marama-o-te-p
An Introduction to Matariki, Maramataka and Mātauranga
29 June: Dr Dan Hikuroa presents a talk about Matariki – its purpose and role in customary and contemporary society, about how it is situated within the Maramataka.
Find out more: www.aucklandmuseum.com/visit/whats-on/members/cafe-scientifique-june
Matariki at Stardome
19–25 June: Matariki Lights at Stardome will be an immersive and beautiful exterior activation that encourages manuhiri to come to Maungakiekie to celebrate Matariki, there will also be free 10 minute Matariki planetarium shows running.
Find out more: www.stardome.org.nz/matariki-at-stardome-
Waikato
Matariki at the Museum
9 July: This year's Matariki programme at Waikato Museum celebrates wellbeing from the perspective of te ao Māori through kōrero, art and music.
Find out more: https://waikatomuseum.co.nz/exhibitions-and-events/view/2145883692/matariki-at-the-museum
Wellington
Whakanuia Matariki
24 June: A fun filled family day featuring music, food and stars. Make a sprinkled cut out star inspired by 'Maiangi Waitai: Atea-a-Rangi,' sample some Paraoa Parai, explore flax weaving and enjoy some waiata.
Find out more: www.whirinakiarts.org.nz/events/current-events/whakanuia-matariki/
Te Papa
24 June–3 July: Te Papa has a week-long programme of free, whānau-friendly events on offer. Get to know the Matariki cluster, take time to reflect, celebrate and look ahead to the future.
Find out more: www.tepapa.govt.nz/visit/whats-on/events/manawatia-matariki-celebrating-matariki-2022
Maramataka with Pauline Harris
20 June: The maramataka is based on the position of the sun, stars, phases of the moon as well as environmental and ecological indicators. This talk by Dr Pailine Harris will describe examples of these indicators and how these are being used to determine the time of Matariki and the proposed dates for the Matariki holiday.
Find out more: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2022/maramataka-with-pauline-harris/wellington
Hākari Under the Stars
24 June: Join Space Place in celebrating the wonders of Matariki with a range of whānau-friendly activities and watch the waterfront fireworks from the heights of Kelburn.
Find out more: www.museumswellington.org.nz/hakari-under-the-stars/
Canterbury
Matariki MacKenzie
24 & 25 June: A diverse range of events from talks, star gazing, workshops and kai.
Find out more here: https://matarikimackenzie.co.nz/
Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre
8 June–11 July: Gather your whānau and friends to enjoy a range of events to mark the occasion, with talks, exhibitions, films and more.
Find out more: www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/matariki-2022/
Libraries Matariki
7 June–2 July: Explore the traditions and importance of Matariki with information about resources, crafts, and ways to celebrate with Christchurch City Libraries.
Find out more: https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/matariki/
Tīrama Mai
24 June–3 July: Tīrama Mai, meaning to illuminate or bring light, celebrates Matariki, our people and our unique local landscape.
Find out more: https://ccc.govt.nz/news-and-events/whats-on/event/tirama-mai-2
Otago
For a full list of events celebrating Matariki in Dunedin check out: www.matarikidunedin.co.nz/
Puaka Matariki community celebration weekend
24–26 June: Celebrate this special time of year with fun activities for the whole whānau at Tūhura Otago Museum.
Find out more: https://otagomuseum.nz/whats-on/puaka-matariki-community-celebration-weekend
Related content
For more on Matariki check out the Hub’s article The Matariki star cluster.
Environment Aotearoa 2022 uses Matariki as the guiding framework to report on the state of our environment. Each star represents an environmental domain and how it connects to our wellbeing. If you’re wondering how to use these resources in your classroom, check out Matariki and Environment Aotearoa 2022. The collection provides additional context and pedagogical insights. The Te Kāhui o Matariki and the environment webinar unpacks ideas connected to this report and shares resources that can be used as a guiding framework for teaching and learning.
Activity ideas
Naming the whetū in te kāhui o Matariki uses online and/or paper-based resources to identify and label the nine whetū in Matariki and learn about their associations with wellbeing and the environment.
Use this activity to teach some of the literacy components required to effectively interpret the infographics used in the Environment Aotearoa 2022 report.
Use this cross-curricular activity to explore written and visual components of the Environment Aotearoa 2022 report’s Matariki representations. Great inspiration for poetry and art!
Constellations in the night sky explores star clusters and constellations and cultural legends about them.
Useful link
Dr Rangi Matamua, a leading expert on Matariki and Māori astronomy, on what it means – and the science that underpins it, How Matariki will connect us all.
Read this blog post on the Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor website Aotearoa’s first mātauranga-based holiday – it is by Dr Pauline Harris and explains how the Matariki holiday dates were calculated.
