It's home to nearly 40,000 Aucklanders including children. It's the workplace of 137,566. This 4.33 square kilometre area of land generated $23.2billion in GDP in 2021. The city centre is rebuilding after being disproportionately impacted over the last two years.
Auckland Council, Heart of the City, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and talented artists, are leading the reboot; first with City of Colour in May and now with Matariki ki te Manawa – Matariki at the heart – part of Matariki Festival.
A super-sized lighting and sculptural experience will illuminate the city centre / te pokapū o te tāone with 25 events and installations - light shows, markets, music, kapa haka, art, kai and much more - from 21 June to 16 July.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says Matariki ki te Manawa will bring light and colour to the city centre, with Queen Street taking centre stage.
“Matariki ki te Manawa promises a spectacular display that will bring vibrancy to our city centre, attract visitors and provide a boost to businesses impacted by COVID-19,” he says.
“Highlights will include an impressive lightshow projected onto the Chief Post Office building on lower Queen Street that will tell the story of Matariki in Tāmaki Makaurau and sculptures of birds soaring above the street.
“I encourage Aucklanders to visit our city centre to enjoy these eye-catching installations celebrating Matariki, as well as the other events happening around the region, to mark this important time of year,” Phil Goff says.
Steve Armitage, Interim Chief Executive, Heart of the City says: “The city centre is building a strong programme of events and experiences which will attract people here. Matariki ki te Manawa is a demonstration of what can be achieved when city centre partners come together - it’s a pretty special programme to share with Aucklanders.”
Partners for Matariki ki te Manawa include Eke Panuku, Viaduct Harbour, Britomart, SkyCity and Commercial Bay.
Head to heartofthecity.co.nz/matariki-ki-te-manawa and discover more than 25 ways you can enjoy the city centre with your family and friends at Matariki ki te Manawa - Matariki at the heart.
