All about the energy: Hamilton celebrates Matariki

Friday, 10 July 2026

Brooklyn Loneko (centre) and others run through their routine shortly before taking to the stage for Hamilton’s Maanawatia a Matariki event

Ready for the stage as part of Hamilton’s Maanawatia a Matariki celebrations on Friday, Taparia Tuakana said the final touch to his look will be a “bright smile”.

“If you're just out there, you know - sad - performing, no one's gonna like it. No one's going to feel the energy. Mainly energy is what makes a good performance.”

The 16-year-old Hamilton Cook Island Association member said he had been performing since he was about seven. Waiting to go onstage, he said the size of the crowd always came as a shock, but he would push on and feel confident in himself.

Hamilton Cook Island Association member Taparia Tuakana has been performing for years

He was enjoying having Friday as a holiday, he said — an opinion the crowd who flocked to Innes Common for the event likely agreed with.

When the Waikato Times arrived at about 3pm, the event was just starting, but the sun was shining and plenty of people had come to enjoy the celebration, which featured live music and kapa haka, stalls and food trucks, and would finish with a laser show after dark.

Speaking backstage before the Talents of the Pacific Academy (TOPA) began their show, TOPA director Landy Tyrell-Nonoa said the performance involved about 60 people, ranging from primary school age all the way up to adults.

“We are bringing Pacific vibes, so, bringing Samoa, Cook Islands, Tahiti, and then we’ve got a fun crowd engagement as well.”

A crowd gathers for Hamilton City Council’s annual Maanawatia a Matariki even at Innes Common

TOPA was very inclusive, and would have people with different abilities performing, she said. The group ran weekly school programmes as well as after-school events.

“They learn cultural languages, and then they perform at cool events like this.”

Hamilton City Council Events Manager Chantelle Pettigrew said the free, whaanau-friendly celebration brought the community together to mark the rising of Matariki and the Maaori New Year.

“It’s a chance for Hamiltonians to connect, reflect, remember loved ones, and look ahead to the future while enjoying a fantastic evening of entertainment, kai, and community spirit,” she said.

This was the fifth year the event had been held. Last year, about 20,000 people attended, and Pettigrew said it was growing in popularity.

Walter Tuekana from Talents of the Pacific Academy.

Talents of the Pacific Academy members, from left: Aria Te Tuhi, Kylah Tuiavii, Bobbie Wilson, Brooklyn Loneko, Keyahra Loneriwhi.

A bubble meets its end to the delight of younger crowd members.

Ella Jones and Tom Mitchell with Willow Mitchell, 2.

Mighty Winikerei, 5, and Santana Winikerei enjoy the sun.

“In 2026, we’re placing an even stronger focus on sustainability and kaitiakitanga through initiatives such as reusable foodware, free bus travel thanks to Busit, and a free bike valet service.”

Acting Mayor Geoff Taylor said it was always good to see family and friends come together to mark Matariki.

“As we continue to navigate significant change, both within local government and more broadly, Matariki reminds us to stay grounded in the strength of our community, both now in the present and as we look ahead to the future.”