The Matariki Festival 2019 programme has been released, with over 100 events running all over Auckland between 22 June and 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 best events for kids over the festival period.
Te Awhiorangi — Celestial Navigation with Te Toki Voyaging Trust
Where: New Zealand Maritime Museum, Learning space, cnr Quay and Hobson St, Viaduct Harbour
When:
- Sat 22 June, 10.30am – 2.30pm (30 min sessions)
- Sun 23 June, 10.30am – 2.30pm (30 min sessions)
Suitable for: All ages
Cost: Free, advanced booking required.
Bring the tamariki to be immersed in a world of stars, sea and kaupapa waka. The sessions take place inside an inflatable star dome with skilled ocean navigators from Te Toki Voyaging Trust. Limited spaces available for each session.
Manu Aute Kite Day
When: Sat 29 June
Sessions:
- 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.
Te Taumata Kapa Haka
Where: ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, Mayoral Dr, Auckland
When: Sat 6 July, 10.30am-4pm
Suitable for: All ages
Cost: Free entry, tickets required
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.
Celebrate Matariki at Auckland Zoo
Where: The Domes at Auckland Zoo, 99 Motions Rd, Western Springs
When:
- Sat 6 July, 5pm–8pm
- Sat 13 July, 5pm–8pm
Suitable for: All ages
Cost: Adults $10, kids free
When the sun goes down and the animals are tucked up for the night, the Domes at Auckland Zoo will come alive to celebrate Matariki. Visitors of all ages will be able to enjoy a range of activities, including a Matariki-inspired digital interactive installation.
Everyone will be able to try kapa haka and craft activities, listen to some traditional Māori storytelling, check out the mini night market featuring local produce and other sustainably produced merchandise, and enjoy wonderful kai and beverage options. Auckland Zoo is also running a Matariki holiday programme.
Matariki for Tamariki
When: Fri 12 July – 12pm; Sat 13 July – 11am and 3pm
Where: Bruce Mason Centre, The Promenade, Takapuna
Cost: Various
Suitable for: All ages
The New Zealand Dance Company (NZDC) welcomes Tāmaki Makaurau to a celebration of Matariki and whānau by Sean MacDonald (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāi Tahu). A band of movers travel high and low through ngahere (forests), maunga (mountains) and moana (oceans) experiencing the sights and sounds of Aotearoa.
Youth Winter School: Rangatahi have the opportunity to participate in a Youth Winter School during each week and join NZDC’s professional dancers on stage in performances of the show. The Youth Winter School is open to children 12+ years and runs Mon 8 – Sat 13 July
Nau mai e te tii e te taa — join the adventure.
Matariki Glow Show
Sessions:
- Wed 26 June - Thu 27 June; 10am and 11:30am – Hawkins Theatre, Ray Small Drive, Papakura
- Wed 3 July; 10am and 11.30am – Auckland Girls Grammar, Howe St, Freeman Bay
- Thu 4 July – Fri 5 July, 10am and 11.30am – Ray Freedman Arts Centre, Gillies Ave, Epsom
Suitable for: Tamariki 2 – 10 years
Cost: $12.50
The Matariki Glow Show is a large-scale puppet show like no other. Watch the magic unfold as more than 40 glow-in-the-dark characters, including a five-metre taniwha, tell a delightful story about Matariki.
Rich in te reo Māori, this show will have kids on the edge of their seats with catchy tunes, lively characters and a whole lot of fun. Matariki Glow Show is part of Elemental AKL.
