Celebrate Matariki with us

As winter settles in, we look to the skies to welcome Matariki, the cluster of stars also known as Pleiades. In Māori culture, the rising of Matariki, usually in late June or early July, marks the start of the Māori New Year.

This year, Matariki will be celebrated on Friday 20 June.

While Matariki has long been celebrated by Māori communities, it became a nationwide public holiday in 2022, giving all of Aotearoa a chance to come together in recognition of this important cultural tradition.

In the week leading up to the celebration and the week following, there will be a series of vibrant community events across the Tasman District, featuring performances, kai, crafts and more.

• On Sunday 15 June, there’s a community planting day with Battle for the Banded Rail from 9.00 am until 1.00 pm at Research Orchard Road in Redwood Valley.
• Sundial Square is the focus of kapa haka performances on Monday 16 June at 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm, and Wednesday 18 June at 10.00 am and 2.00 pm.
• On Tuesday 17 June at 1.00 pm and Wednesday 18 June at 12.30 pm there are lunchtime raranga star making sessions also at Sundial Square.
• On the following Saturday, 28 June, there will be star gazing and a sausage sizzle at the Wai-iti Dark Sky Reserve from 6.00 pm.

This is a special opportunity to pause and reflect, to celebrate with whānau and friends. It’s a time to honour those who came before us, acknowledge our journeys and achievements, and set intentions for the year to come.

You can learn more about Matariki at matariki.co.nz(external link). Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori!

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