It’s all on in the city centre for Matariki Festival’s final two weeks including a free closing concert – Te Korakora ki Takutai - on 10 July.
Watch the city centre’s streets and squares become a canvas for extraordinary Māori artistry, see children turn the pages of a giant book, marvel at a fluorescent crocheted wharenui, see the written word in surprising artforms, and dance to the beats of waiata, reggae and electronica in Britomart’s evening light.
Some highlights:
Wharenui Harikoa - the homecoming
Wharenui Harikoa at The Civic.
The nation’s treasured crocheted wharenui returns to her place of origin — Tāmaki Makaurau – this Matariki season. This world-first woollen wharenui will be centre-stage at The Civic Theatre in Auckland from 5 - 27 July, marking a magical act of homecoming before she begins her international journey.
Created by artists Lissy (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kahu) and Rudi Robinson-Cole (Taranaki, Ngāti Pāoa, Waikato, Ngāti Tahu/Ngāti Whaoa), the wharenui was crocheted with neon wool, merging traditional Māori practices and modern technology.
“It’s aroha made physical,” says Lissy Cole. “Stepping inside feels like entering the embrace of your kuia. It's a deeply maternal, deeply Māori experience, rooted in aroha.” This activation continues their journey of using colour, light, and Māori storytelling to uplift and connect.
Book ahead for this free-ticketed experience. View Wharenui Harikoa from 5 to 27 July, 10am-6pm daily, presented by Auckland Live on The Civic Theatre stage.
2 kilometre trail of light
Tūrama - Manu Korokī, Queen Street.
A reflective trail of light weaves its way through Auckland’s city centre until 13 July. Thought to be the largest series of indigenous light artworks in the world, this two-kilometre path takes people on a journey into the rich history of the city centre.
Walk along the historical banks of Te Waihorotiu stream from Aotea Square to Shortland Street, among the birds and plants which thrived in the Queen Street valley, to Taurima in Elliott St highlighting the historical connections to pātaka kai (food storehouse) and along the waterfront to Tūhono in Takutai Square and beyond. This modern form of Matariki splendour is a must-see. Read about the art and the artists at Our Auckland and watch this animated map.
Tūrama and Tūhono are supported by Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland Council) and the city centre targeted rate. Tūhono has been brought to the city centre by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa and Britomart Group.
Te Korakora ki Takutai
Free concert coming to Takutai Square.
Bringing Matariki Festival to a close, enjoy an unforgettable night under the stars. A free concert on Thursday 10 July 5pm-9.30pm, Te Korakora ki Takutai will include performances by top performers and musicians from around Aotearoa.
You’ll hear waiata, haka, reggae, soulful hip-hop, electronica, with Angitu Kapa Haka (Te Matatini Festival finalists), PERE, MELODOWNZ and Rubi Du among the top talent lighting up the stage in Takutai Square, Britomart. All are welcome – bring your whānau and your dance moves and celebrate this special time of year.
Midtown shines with the written word
Giant book of ‘How Māui Slowed the Sun’.
Popular during Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) last year, a giant book in te reo Māori and English inside Auckland’s Central City Library and neon kupu (words) have returned for Matariki ki te Manawa – Matariki at the heart.
Celebrate Matariki with the kids at a storytelling event featuring the giant-size Te Hopu a Māui i a te Rā / How Māui Slowed the Sun by author Peter Gossage. Suitable for children aged 5+, come to the library in Lorne Street on Saturday 5 July 2025 and Sunday 13 July 2025; 2.30pm-3.30pm.
Outside the library, neon artworks - Whakanuia te reo Māori – light up kupu (words) from this whakatauākī (saying): ‘Ko te reo kia rere. Ko te reo kia tika. Ko te reo kia Māori.’ (‘Let the language flow. Let the language be correct. Let the language reflect a Māori worldview.’) Created by Ataahua Papa (Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Ngāti Mahuta) and Angus Muir Design, this artwork will shine until 13 July.
Supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.
Te Huinga Tai – The gathering of tides
Te Huinga Tai - The gathering of tides.
Making its Matariki debut, Te Huinga Tai - The gathering of tides joins the city centre’s trail of light in Airedale Street.
A mural, depicting the meeting of tides, was created by artist Poi Ngawati (Waikato, Ngāti Patupo, Ngāti Whāwhākia, Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine). It reflects five values: people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity and serve our world.
The light art suspended in the tree above was created by Poi Ngawati and Angus Muir, speaking to the connection between the stars, ocean, and iwi guiding our journeys and shaping our stories.
Supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.
Head to the Matariki Festival website to see the event listings for the festival’s final two weeks. Ngaati Tamaoho, in partnership with Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland Council), is proud to have presented Matariki Festival for another year.
