From waka paddling to mahitoi (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) this Matariki Festival.
Together, the festival partners will bring a full programme of free events to the Auckland region from 7 June until 13 July.
At the heart of the festival’s manaakitanga is knowledge. The theme of Matariki Festival 2025 is the cultural, environmental, and spiritual significance of wai (water).
Read more about this kaupapa (purpose) on Our Auckland.
Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown is looking forward to attending celebrations during Matariki Festival.
“I enjoy these ceremonies, and I extend an invitation to all Aucklanders to join in the festivities to celebrate Matariki, reflect on the year that was, and bring in the new.
“We’re proud to be partnering with Ngaati Tamaoho to deliver the Matariki Festival for Aucklanders once again this year. It's an opportunity to learn more about te ao Maaori and the rich history of Ngaati Tamaoho,” Mayor Brown says.
Head to matarikifestival.org.nz for the full line-up. Here are the festival's five Pou events:
Waitaa ki te Maanuka, Waitii ki te Mangatangi, Waipuna ki te Rangi
Everyone is invited to attend Matariki Festival’s opening event – a special viewing of inspiring artworks from the Ngaati Tamaoho Whaikairo, Raaranga and Whiri Aroha roopuu.
Visitors will marvel at the skill, artistry and koorero at this event, with an art collection inspired by the festival’s whakatauakii: Waitaa ki te Maanuka, Waitii ki te Mangatangi, Waipuna ki te Rangi.
For Ngaati Tamaoho, the star Waitaa in the Matariki cluster connects through Te Maanukanuka o Hoturoa (the Manukau Harbour), the star Waitii connects through the Mangatangi Awa (a river flowing through the Hunua Ranges) and the star Waipunarangi connects with the rain bringing life to their fertile lands in the south.
Light refreshments will be provided. Guests of all ages are welcome to attend this event and exhibition at the Sir Edmund Hillary Library and Papakura Museum on Saturday 14 June, 2pm to 4 pm. More details at the Matariki Festival website.
Have a go at paddling a waka.
This is a rare opportunity for Aucklanders and visitors to paddle a double hull waka.
People are invited to enjoy being on the water for Matariki, hear storytelling of Otaawhati and Pahurehure Inlet and their significance to local iwi - at Prince Edward Park, Pahurehure, Papakura on 15 June, 11.30am to 2.30pm. More details at the Matariki Festival website.
Pukekohe Hill Reserve.
A pre-dawn celebration at Pukekohe Hill Reserve to welcome Matariki rising in the sky will include karakia, a warm breakfast and entertainment at Ngaa Hau e Whaa Marae. All are invited to come together in reflection, renewal, and community spirit.
Friday 20 June, 5am to 10am. More details at the Matariki Festival website.
Te Hui Ahurei o Matariki – Matariki Festival Day
Matariki Festival Day 20 June – kapa haka.
Te Hui Ahurei o Matariki – Matariki Festival Day brings people of all ages together to celebrate Matariki. It will take place at Auckland Botanic Gardens on 20 June – 10am to 4pm.
Aucklanders will experience kapa haka, waiata, carving demonstrations, raranga (weaving) activations, kite making, stories, art and an insight into special waterways at the Gardens. More details at the Matariki Festival website.
Bring your whānau with their dancing shoes to Britomart.
Matariki Festival closes with a free, high-energy concert under the stars featuring some of Aotearoa’s top performers and musicians, kai stalls and more.
Concert-goers will walk up (no tickets required) and enjoy waiata, haka, reggae, soulful hip-hop to electronica in the city centre’s waterfront precinct. More announcements coming.
The concert takes place at Takutai Square, Britomart, Thursday 10 July 2025, 5pm to 9.30pm. More details at the Matariki Festival website.
This story acknowledges the iwi dialect of our festival partner Ngaati Tamaoho and their preference for double vowels in written te reo Maaori.
