Matariki Ahi Kā to light up the waterfront as Pōneke celebrates Māori New Year
Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Wellington’s waterfront will come alive this week as Matariki Ahi Kā returns from July 9–12, offering four nights of fire, projections, storytelling, kai and live performance in a celebration of the Māori New Year.
The free, whānau‑friendly event invites everyone to honour Matariki and Puanga, gathering to reflect on loved ones who have passed, celebrate whanaungatanga, and look ahead to the year to come. Each evening from 6pm–9pm, visitors can explore immersive zones themed around past, present and future, moving through tomokanga (entrances) to fire pits, discussion spaces and storytelling areas that highlight whakapapa and connection.
A special ceremony will be held at 7.45pm each night, accompanied by a projection on Te Papa’s wall commemorating loved ones who have died in the past year. Two kai courts and the Aroha and Takoha stages will offer food, kapa haka and live music throughout the event.
Mayor Andrew Little says Matariki Ahi Kā is a chance for Wellingtonians to reflect on their connections to ancestors and community. “Wellington City Council is proud to support this uniquely Aotearoa way to recognise knowledge and culture passed through generations.”
Alongside Matariki Ahi Kā, dozens of events across the region will celebrate Matariki and Puanga — from concerts and art exhibitions to workshops, storytelling, tamariki activities and community gatherings.
It will also be a chance to see Wellington Writers Walk’s first te reo Māori sculpture, He Karakia mō Puanga mā Matariki, composed by Ben Ngaia. Installed between Te Papa and the waterfront promenade, the backlit sculpture offers a contemplative space facing the harbour.
Other events include Waiata Anthems with Orchestra Wellington, Matariki at Pātaka, VR experiences, tamariki takeovers, art installations, library programmes and more — reflecting the breadth of Matariki celebrations across Pōneke.
A full programme for Matariki Ahi Kā is available at wellington.govt.nz/matariki.
Matariki highlights
Weavers of Te Ataarangi, Thistle Hall, to July 10, various times: A raranga exhibition honouring five decades of Te Ataarangi’s reo Māori movement.
MĀREIKURA – The Tīwhas, Circa Theatre, to July 11, various times: A fierce theatrical drag concert honouring wāhine past and present, followed by a shared supper included in the $75 ticket. Tickets: Circa Theatre
Matariki Nights, Various locations, to July 11, various times: Four nights of live music, art, kai and connection featuring Hollie Smith, Rei, Kenzie from Welly, The Mokos, Soul Paua, comedy by Ben Hurley and a mural by Otis Frizzell. More info: matarikinights.co.nz
Star Glaze Festival, Ōtaki Māori Racing Club, July 10–11, various times: Ceramic artists gather for a two‑day celebration of pottery, Matariki and whānau activities, with demos, exhibitions and hands‑on experiences. Friday gate charge: $10; koha welcomed.
Matariki at Pātaka, Pātaka Art + Museum, July 10, 12pm–4pm Live courtyard music, kōrero on harbour restoration, VR experiences with Wiremu Grace and Matariki face painting for tamariki. Free. More info: pataka.org.nz
Matariki at Toi Aro, Toi Aro, Market Lane, to July 12, various times: All‑day projections, evening storytelling and a community gathering with Māori Wardens at Wellington’s new home for artists.
Matariki at Te Papa: Te Papa has a full programme of Matariki events including a whānau day on July 10, running from 10am-2pm, with workshops and activities. The line-up also includes Mānawatia a Matariki exhibition hub. For all the activities see tepapa.govt.nz
Rangatuone: Weaving Gestures and Sound – Riki Pirihi, Toi Aro, July 12, various times: A workshop and public performance exploring Indigenous musical traditions and contemporary composition. Registration required.
Matariki Ahi Kā, Wellington Waterfront, July 9–12, 6pm–9pm: Fire, projections, storytelling, kai courts, kapa haka and nightly remembrance ceremonies in a major free celebration of Matariki and Puanga.
Matariki mā Puanga Activity Book, Zealandia, to July 31, various times Celebrate Waitā, the star linked to the moana, with Zealandia’s nature‑based Matariki activity book for tamariki and whānau.
Matariki at Wellington City Libraries, Library branches, July, various times: Search “Matariki” in the WCL events calendar for whānau‑friendly workshops, storytimes and activities across the city.
Matariki with Noku te Ao Capital E, Capital E, to July 25, various times: Tamariki can screen‑print clothing, make Maramataka calendars or try presenting the weather with MetService. Costs may apply.
Te Whakanui i a Matariki – Courtenay Place Lightboxes, Courtenay Place, to Oct 4, various times: Diane Prince’s drawings depict traditional kai, exploring survival and resilience through bold, contemporary imagery.