The Matariki Festival 2019 programme has been released, with more than 100 events running all over Auckland from 22 June until 14 July.
To help pick out the highlights for you, we've put together the Matariki Diary grouping together different types of events.
Check out this selection of some unmissable happenings over the festival period:
Matariki Dawn Karakia
When: Sat 22 June, 6am–10am (arrive from 6am for a 6.30am start)
Where: Pukekaaroa Hill, Auckland Domain
Cost: Free
Suitable for: All ages
Herald the Maaori new year alongside iwi manaaki, Waikato -Tainui, at Pukekawa in Auckland Domain — a place of special significance in the history of Tāmaki Makaurau. Commemorate those who have passed, acknowledge those who remain, plan for the approaching seasons and welcome the new year with karanga, karakia, waiata and kotahitanga (unity).
Following the blessing, led by Waikato -Tainui, there will be a light breakfast, entertainment and the opportunity to learn more about the history and stories of the host iwi. Good mobility required for an uphill walk. Dress warmly.
Manu Aute Kite Day
When: Sat 29 June
Where:
- 10am-4pm; Takaparawhau Reserve/Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, 19 Hapimana St, Ōrākei
- 11am-4pm; Pukewiwi/Winstone Park, 1129 Dominion Rd, Mt Roskill
- 12pm-4pm; Manu Tukutuku/ Randwick Park, 32 Riverton Dr, Randwick Park, Manurewa
Cost: Free
Suitable for: All ages
Manu Aute Kite Day honours and celebrates the universal tradition of kite flying across Tāmaki Makaurau, with events happening in Ōrākei, Puketāpapa and Manurewa all on the same day.
Watch the spectacle of kites of all shapes and sizes filling the skies, symbolically connecting heaven and earth. There are also plenty of opportunities for kite flyers of all ages to make and fly kites, sending their own personal messages and whakaaro out into the world.
Matariki on the Move: Waiata
Sessions:
-
Sun 23 June, 4pm – 6pm; Glen Eden RSA 9 Glendale Rd, Glen Eden,
-
Sun 7 July, 1pm–3pm; Harmony Hall Senior Centre, 4 Wynyard St, Devonport
- Sun 14 July, 1pm–3pm; Te Puea Memorial Marae, 41 Miro St, Māngere Bridge
Cost: Free entry on a first-come, first-seated basis
Suitable for: All ages
Enjoy an afternoon of laid-back jazz, te reo and dynamic vocals with two powerhouse wāhine, sharing their exceptional vocal talents. Featuring Whirimako Black, a veteran of eight solo albums and champion of te reo Māori; and Kaaterama Pou – singer, performer, brass player and star on the Māori music scene.
Matariki on the Move: Kōrero
When: Wed 10 July, 7pm–10pm
Where: SKYCITY Theatre, Hobson St, Auckland CBD
Cost: Free entry on a first-come, first-seated basis
Suitable for: All ages
Join astronomer Dr Rangi Matamua, maramataka Māori expert Rereata Makiha and master navigator Hoturoa Kerr for one night only, as they share their latest research and passion for Māori astronomy with the audience. With extensive knowledge of the maramataka (lunar calendar), celestial navigation and the Matariki star cluster, this is a unique opportunity to hear from three tohunga (experts) in person.
Learn about Matariki, as well as other stars and celestial bodies — how they guided the traditional way of life for many Māori throughout Aotearoa in days gone by and their continuing importance in today’s modern world. Matariki on the Move tours Māori arts around Tāmaki Makaurau.
Matariki on the Move: Tirotiro Whetū
When:
- 24, 27, 28 June, 6pm–9pm
- 1, 4, 5, 8, 13 July, 6pm–9pm
- 14 July, 5.30am-9am
Where: Waitematā Harbour. Sailings depart from Ōrākei Marina, 12/14 Tamaki Dr, Orakei, Auckland
Cost: Free. Limited spaces for each sailing and booking is essential
Suitable for: 10 years and up. Each child from 10-14 years must have an adult to supervise them.
Signifying the start of the Māori new year, the rising of the Matariki star cluster in the skies above Aotearoa is an important time in the Māori calendar. The stars also connect us to another realm, each with names and stories that have been woven into the history of the Māori people.
Take this special opportunity to view the stars from a different perspective, while out on the waters of the Waitematā. Board a waka hourua and sail out to a dark-sky environment where you can study the stars, under the guidance of navigation and wayfinding expert, Hoturoa Kerr. Dress warmly.
Te Taumata Kapa Haka
When: Sat 6 July, 10.30am– 4pm
Where: ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, Mayoral Dr, Auckland
Cost: Free entry, tickets required
Suitable for: All ages
Celebrate the dynamic art form of kapa haka. Enjoy exhilarating live performances from local group and current Te Matatini champions Ngā Tūmanako, reigning National Secondary Schools title-holder Raukura from Rotorua, and a host of other powerful kapa haka from around the country. This year Te Taumata Kapa Haka features the prowess of seasoned professionals and school groups on the same stage, for one day only.
Don’t miss the power of kapa haka as a force to bring people of all backgrounds together. Te Taumata Kapa Haka is part of Elemental AKL.
Te Korakora on Federal
When: Fri 12 July, 5pm–10pm
Where: Federal St Plaza, Federal St, CBD
Suitable for: Ages 18+
Cost: Free
Enjoy a night out with friends and whānau at Te Korakora on Federal, an urban street party where you can experience the vibrant sights and sounds of te ao Māori on Federal Street.
Come together for a unique evening of culture in the city, as the 2019 Matariki Festival comes to an end. Dance the night away under the Matariki stars while enjoying a stellar line-up of musical talent and entertainment. Te Korakora on Federal is proudly supported by SKYCITY and part of Elemental AKL.
And much more
See more Matariki events on OurAuckland and the full programme at matarikifestival.org.nz
