Whakanuia te tau hou Māori! Celebrate the Māori new year in Tāmaki Makaurau during Matariki Festival 2025.
From waka paddling to mahi toi (arts) and from kite making to kapa haka, Aucklanders and visitors will experience the manaakitanga (hospitality and welcoming) of Ngaati Tamaoho in partnership with Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland Council).
Together, the festival partners are bringing a full programme of more than 100 events and activities – many of them free or low cost - to the Auckland region from 7 June until 13 July.
Festival highlights:
Te Hui Ahurei o Matariki (Festival Day)
20 June, 10 AM–4 PM, Auckland Botanic Gardens: A full-day celebration with waka paddling, arts workshops, food stalls, kapa haka – an immersive family festival.
Matariki Ahunga Nui at Auckland Art Gallery
20 June, 10 AM–5 PM: Engage in creative water-themed arts, kapa haka performances, tours, and artist kōrero - al free and inclusive.
Wheke Fortress & Festival Day
20 June, featuring heritage activities and community fun centered around Te Ao Māori.
Te Korakora ki Takutai (Festival Finale Concert)
10 July: A dynamic finale concert by Te Rou Kai fountain with top Māori artists, kai stalls, and high-energy performances—bring your dancing shoes!
Join Ngaati Tamaoho at dawn to welcome the Matariki stars at Matariki ki te Maunga, head to the city centre for festive lights and more with Matariki ki te Manawa and bring your dancing shoes to Te Korakora ki Takutai for a live concert featuring top Māori artists and kai stalls!
Knowledge is at the heart of the festival. This year’s theme is the cultural, environmental, and spiritual significance of wai (water), reflected in the whakataukii from Ngaati Tamaoho:
- Waitaa ki te Maanuka,
- Waitii ki te Mangatangi,
- Waipuna ki te Rangi.
Waitaa is the star of the sea and ocean, Waitii is the star of fresh water, and Waipunarangi symbolises rain.
Nau mai, haere mai – everyone is welcome!
Head to the Matariki Festival website for the full festival line-up.
