CELEBRATION: Tamaki Makaurau will herald in the Maori New Year with several events, including a light trail in Glen Innes. NZ Herald picture
Matariki, the Maori New Year, te Tau Hou Maori, is a time to gather with family and friends to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future, and events to mark the occasion are planned up and down the country.
Nationwide, inspired by the Maori tradition
of giving thanks for the harvest before replanting, Eat New Zealand has created Feast Matariki, Aotearoa's first modern-day national food celebration (June 18-July 8). It's an opportunity to recognise the amazing kai we grow, catch and make here, and acknowledge Kiwi manaakitanga (hospitality).
Whangarei is celebrating this special time of year with cultural events from performances, kai hakari and educational sessions to arts and crafts, events and exhibitions.
In Tamaki Makaurau, you can herald in the new year alongside iwi manaaki at the Matariki Dawn Karakia at Takaparawhau Bastion Point, fly kites for Manu Aute Kite Day in Orakei and Puketapapa, then at night enjoy Auckland Harbour Bridge's stunning light display. Watch short and feature-length films to better understand the stars, catch kapa haka performances, or dance the night away at Te Korakora, Takutai Square.
The Matariki ki Waikato festival begins with a dawn ceremony to commemorate the birth of King Koroki, then continues with events spanning the arts, music, hauora, taiao and education. The events are aimed to encourage recognition and grow awareness of Matariki, so now's a great time to get out there and learn.
