Jump to section
Mataraki Hunga Nui, Tāmaki Hunga Nui
"The many people of Matariki, the many people of Tāmaki"
The rise of Matariki in the winter skies above Aotearoa is an important time in the Māori maramataka (lunar calendar) as it signifies the start of the Māori new year or ‘te mātahi o te tau’. For Māori, astronomy is interwoven into all facets of life. Our tupuna would observe the night sky, charting star and planet movements, the relationship of the stars and planets to the moon and sun, while also noting what was happening on the whenua (land) and in the moana (ocean), lakes, and awa (rivers).
Matariki has different names around the world. In Europe, it is called by its ancient Greek name Pleiades or the Seven Sisters. In Hawaiian it is
Makahiki, and in Japan it is Subaru, meaning gathered together.
Matariki is a time for people to gather, to remember those who have passed, to celebrate the present and look to plan for the future. Guided by our theme "Matariki Hunga Nui, Tāmaki Hunga Nui", this year's Matariki is a celebration of our people, friends and whānau and the many relationships shared.
Matariki 2025 Events
Join us for a splendour of special 2025 Matariki events. There is something for everyone.
E rere ana ngā whakamānawa ki ngā kaitautoko. Ko te mihi o te ngākau ki a koutou: Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau, Go Media, Ōrākei Local Board, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Reserves Board, Inghams Chicken
-
Planting Day
Come together to give back to Papatūānuku at our annual planting day. Bring your gumboots, gloves, and mahi spirit for a day of hands-on fun for all ages. Saturday 14 June @19 Hapimana Street, Takaparawhau, Bastion Point. When: Saturday 14 June, 9am - 1pm Public, Free event -
Hautapu ki Takaparawhau
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei invite you to join us at dawn on Takaparawhau as we welcome the Māori new year with a sacred Hautapu ceremony. Friday 20 June @ Takaparawhau 5.30am gather, 6am start Public, Free event -
Mahuta Concert
Join us for an epic evening of live performances — nostalgic and fresh — as we welcome Te Tau Hou Māori. Friday 20 June @ Tuning Fork Mahuhu Crescent 6.30pm - 11.00pm Where: Tuning Fork, Mahuhu Crescent Purchase your tickets today! 🔗 https://bit.ly/3Sny5Lc -
Matariki Twilight Markets
Celebrate Matariki in the heart of Te Tōangaroa at our Matariki Twilight Market - featuring local Māori kai, mahi toi, Māori performing arts, Māori arts trail, & more Saturday 21 June, 2025 - 4pm-9pm @ Mahuhu Crescent, Te Tōangaroa, Auckland CBD -
Tūhono
Experience the magic of Matariki through Tūhono - an immersive light trail celebrating the stories, people and places of the downtown waterfront. From Te Kōmititanga (Commerical Bay), through Takutai Square at Britomart, ending at Māhuhu ki te Rangi Park in Te Tōangaroa. June 21 - July 9, 2025 -
Matariki Evening Lights
Immerse in a magical evening with music, fire pits, kai and community during the Matariki Evening Lights event. We are lighting up the Harbour Bridge with a remix of the popular Matariki waiata composed and sung by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei talented artist Majic Pāora. The exciting light show depicts the narrative of the Matariki waiata. Saturday 21 June, 6pm @ Silo Park (Wynyard quarter)
Te Iwa o Matariki
Matariki is a cluster of 9 whetū (stars). Each star has its own special characteristic which Māori honour and acknowledge.
PŌHUTUKAWA connects us to our loved ones that have passed on.
TUPUĀNUKU connects us to Papatūānuku (Earth) and determines the bounty of food the grows in the earth, like kumara.
TUPUĀRANGI is connected to birds and other elevated foods such as fruits and berries from trees.
WAITĪ is connected to freshwater and the food sources that are sustained by those waters.
WAITĀ is connected to sea water and all that is in that domain.
WAIPUNĀRANGI is connected to the rain that we experience throughout the year.
URURANGI connects us to the different winds and determines the nature of these winds.
HIWA-I-TE-RANGI is connected to our dreams and aspirations.
MATARIKI is connected to the health and wellbeing of people and the taiao we live in.
Resources
-
Learn how to do your own hautapu
Learn how to prepare and carry out your own hautapu. Follow the instructions, including karakia words and audio. -
Matariki Karakia Booklet
This booklet produced by Te Arawhiti, features karakia written by Tā Pou Temara and Professor Rangi Matamua, equips us with the relevant knowledge to understand the traditions of Matariki.
