Matariki 2019: What's on around Auckland?

Monday, 17 June 2019

Labour MP Paul Eagle says Matariki should be recognised as a public holiday.

Matariki Festival 2019 is almost upon us and there are a plethora of events coming up to mark in your diary.

Matariki is the Māori name given to Pleiades, an internationally recognised star cluster that can be seen all over the world.

The rise of Matariki in the winter skies above Aotearoa signifies the start of the Māori New Year.

Celebrations in Auckland will begin on June 22, with a Matariki Dawn Karakia at Pukekawa in the Auckland Domain.

* Waka ama race the start of Māori new year celebrations as Matariki approaches

* Matariki: Everything there is to know about it**

The karakia will begin at 6am, followed by a blessing, led by Waikato-Tainui.

There will also be a light breakfast, entertainment and the opportunity to learn more about the history and stories of the host iwi.

Last year's Matariki light show on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

From June 25-30, the team from the Māori Kitchen will dig up the lawn at Britomart's Takutai Square and lay down a hāngi.

Like in 2018, Auckland's Harbour Bridge will be lighting up for Matariki every Friday and Saturday night between 6pm and midnight. The show runs for eight minutes every half hour from June 27-July 14.

If you're looking for some Matariki-themed mid-winter family fun, take the kids down to Silo Park on the weekend of July 5-7 where there will be entertainment, art and kai.

Festivities run from 5pm-10pm on the Friday, 2pm-9pm on the Saturday and 12pm-5pm on the Sunday.

Auckland Zoo is also getting in on the Matariki activities, running two night sessions in the Domes on July 6 and July 13 from 5pm-8pm.

There will be a range of activities on offer, including a Matariki-inspired digital interactive installation, kapa haka and craft activities, traditional Māori storytelling and a mini night market featuring local produce and other sustainably produced merchandise.

To round off Matariki festival on July 12, a free urban street party – Te Korakora on Federal – will be held on Federal St in the CBD.

There are also a number of lectures, film and digital events and visual arts events planned during Matariki. Head to the Matariki website for the full itinerary and ticketing information.