In 2026 the national Matariki celebration will be hosted in Auckland by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Matariki Herenga Waka adapts the proverb Tāmaki herenga waka (“Tāmaki, the gathering place of many canoes”) to reflect Auckland’s identity as a diverse, multicultural home.
The phrase connects Tāmaki, Matariki, and the symbolism of canoes—echoing Auckland as the “city of sails” and Matariki’s place within Te Waka o Rangi (the canoe of the sky)—while expressing a deeper message that both Tāmaki and Matariki belong to everyone.
We are holding 4 events around the motu to celebrate this years theme of inclusion and encouraging all people to celebrate Matariki together.
Waihi
Join Nyvonne Krause, your Regional Coordinator, on Saturday 27 June for a pre-Matariki Kai celebration.
This Matariki we can all come together, (bring all the whānau), and work together to prepare, cook and share a Matariki feast, while also learning about the significance of the different stars, how this marks the Māori New Year, and the chance to reflect on those who have passed, think to the future, and be grateful for everything we have now.
There will be activities for the kids and a grazing table to help fuel our preparation before the late lunch at 2.30pm.
- Saturday 27 June
- 9am-3pm
- Waihi Community Resource Centre, 4 Mueller Street, Waihi
Numbers are limited so please get in quick. Register through the link below.
Rotorua
We hope caregivers in Rotorua are ready for another Matariki Celebration and Waka Experience.
Bring all the whānau, and join Christine Frost, (who is returning to the region to be your Regional Coordinator from 1st July), for a day filled with connection, Matariki resources, selfcare activities for carers, fun activities for rangatahi and tamaiti, shared kai and a very special chance to get out on the water in a waka. (Life jackets and land safety drills provided).
We know from feedback from the 2024 event that you will not want to miss out!
- Saturday 4th July
- 9.15am – 2.30pm
- Te Ao Marama Hall, Tunohopu Street, Ohinemutu
Register through the link below so you don’t miss out.
With thanks to the following organisations who are partnering with us for the event.
Dunedin
Join Stacey Penrose, your Lower South Regional Coordinator, on Saturday 27 June.
Bring your whānau and over a shared lunch (please bring a favourite side dish, Stacey will provide the mains), we will discuss how to celebrate and encourage Matariki practices with your whānau, and celebrate our achievements of the present, our wishes for the future and hold space for those who have passed.
There will be an activity to capture your wishes or plans for the future and we ask that you provide the recipe for the dish that you bring. Caring Families Aotearoa will collate all the recipe’s and provide you with a Matariki Kai Book.
- Date: Saturday 27 June
- Time: 12.00pm-2.00pm
- Venue: TBC
Register below, we have limited spaces!
Christchurch
Join Lisa Watson, your Regional Coordinator, on Saturday 20 June for a pre-Matariki Kai celebration.
This Matariki we can all come together, (bring all the whānau), and work together to prepare, cook and share a Matariki feast, while also learning about the significance of the different stars, how this marks the Māori New Year, and the chance to reflect on those who have passed, think to the future, and be grateful for everything we have now.
There will be activities for the kids and a grazing table to help fuel our preparation before the early dinner.
- Saturday 20 June
- 10am-6pm
- Heathcote Valley Community Centre, 45 Bridle Path Road, Christchurch
Numbers are limited so please get in quick. Register through the link below.