Ways to celebrate Matariki Puanga in Wellington

Matariki Ahi Kā

Thursday 19 June - Sunday 22 June, 6pm–9pm  | Wellington Waterfront | Free

We invite you to celebrate the Māori New Year in a uniquely Wellington way.

Honour our culture and history, with a big, bold, immersive Wellington Waterfront walk-through journey including fire, projections, performances, and a special ceremony each night honouring those who have passed away. Share kai with friends and whānau each evening at our kai courts. Find out more on our website.

Mana Moana Pōneke

19–22 June, 6pm–9pm | Whairepo Lagoon | Free

Enjoy Mana Moana Pōneke, a series of indigenous short films about our ocean, projected on a water screen. Watch as millions of water droplets fall and catch the light, creating the illusion of images appearing from the darkness and floating on the water.

This year’s Mana Moana Pōneke features fresh work - some pieces coming to the moana for the first time and some archival films speaking to the theme of futurism, activism, mobilisation and mana.

Puanga and Matariki in the Display Garden

Until 13 July | Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā 
Wander through the Display Garden and discover putaputawētā plants representing each of the Matariki whetū. Each one has a sign to spark reflection and connection with the stories and meaning behind the stars. It’s a beautiful way to welcome the season and explore the garden in a new light. Visit the Wellington Gardens website for more information.

Matariki events at Te Papa

Panel talk: Kōrero Matariki – Te hauora o te hinengaro

Wednesday 18 June, 6.30pm | Rongomaraeroa, the marae, Level 4 | Bookings recommended
Join Te Papa for weekly kōrero with guest speakers, as they share te ao Māori understandings of health and wellbeing, featuring taonga from the collections. Book now.

Tamariki Time: Matariki 

Thursday 19 June, 10.30am –12.30pm | Rongomaraeroa, the marae, Level 4
Learn about karetao (Māori puppets), and create a mini kākahu (cloak/clothing). Find out more.

Whānau Day: Matariki

Friday 20 June, 10am–2pm, | Rongomaraeroa, the marae, Level 4
A day for you and your whānau (family) to come and celebrate Matariki at Te Papa. Get more details.

WAITUHI Matariki public art series

18 June – 12 July | Frank Kitts Park
The aim of WAITUHI is to take the festivities and kaupapa of Matariki beyond the traditional art spaces of galleries, museums, and theatres, to enliven and activate public space with new artwork that acknowledges Māori culture and heritage in the city.

This year’s WAITUHI project for the 8-flag poles is Te Kohinga Whētu: Collecting the Stars, by artist Reuben Paterson (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāi Tūhoe, Tūhourangi, Scottish).

On at our Community Centres

Monday 16 June, 1pm–3pm | Kilbirnie Lyall Bay Community Centre
Get creative! Join us in making beeswax candles and enjoy a kōrero and some kai. Free and all welcome.

Monday 16 June and Wednesday 18 June, 10am–12pm | Kilbirnie Lyall Bay Community Centre
Look back at the year that's been with us – enjoy photos, a kōrero, and kai. Free and all welcome.

Wednesday 18 June, 10.15am–3pm | Khandallah Town Hall & Cornerstone Community Centre
Learn about Matariki while enjoying morning tea.

Friday 20 June, 10am–3pm | Miramar & Maupuia Community Centre Whātaitai Matariki Market
Our Matariki market is all about celebrating our local community, embracing cultural diversity, and showcasing creative talents and small businesses in celebration of Matariki. You will find a range of local talented stall holders sharing their goods, kai, crafts, and services; Ngā Kai o te Kōhua – a free community boil up; live music and entertainment; a Community Centre raffle fundraiser, and face painting.

Mai i te Whenua ki te Rangi Tree of Remembrance

Until 4 July | Nairn Street Cottage
Matariki is a time to remember and honour those who have passed, including ancestors and loved ones. We have created a special place in our heritage garden to commemorate with our Mai i te Whenua ki te Rangi Tree of Remembrance, translating to ‘From earth to sky Tree of Remembrance.’

Matariki at the Museum: Pōhutukawa Memory Bracelets

Saturdays in June | 10am – 12pm | Wellington Museum
Join our free, family-friendly craft sessions where you can create a small braided bracelet to honour the memory of a loved one. Our friendly staff will guide you through the process and share the story of Pōhutukawa, the star that helps guide spirits onwards during Matariki. 

This drop-in activity is suitable for tamariki aged 5 and up. No bookings needed, just come along and make something meaningful with your whānau.

Mānawatia-a-Matariki

Tuesday 17 & Wednesday 18 June | 5am – 7am | Space Place 
Join us at Space Place for two early morning sessions where we will watch Matariki and Puanga rising on the planetarium screen, preparing you to find these markers with the naked eye when they rise above Pōneke in June. We will also discuss the season’s significance to mana whenua and allow a peaceful moment to reflect upon the year gone, and the one to come. 

Hākari Below the Stars

Thursday 19 June | 5pm – 9pm | Space Place
Nau mai haere mai whānau! Matariki is upon us once more, and we invite you to join us at Space Place’s annual Hākari Below the Stars celebration. 

Enjoy live star talks in our planetarium theatre with Space Place’s Colin Smilie, a whānau activity with Tayla Hartemink, kai on offer, and live music throughout the night from Petone local Jhan Lindsay and friends. 

Matariki Star Crafts

Friday 20, Saturday 21, Sunday 22 June | 10am – 5pm | Space Place | All ages | Free with admission
Visit our craft station at Space Place during the long weekend and create a Matariki star with wool and popsicle sticks to mark the Māori New Year.

Choose which of Puanga or te Iwa o Matariki you wish to represent on your star, and take it home to keep.

Holiday hours 

Wellington City Council’s services and facilities change slightly on public holidays, so just a reminder that:  

• Rubbish and recycling collections will occur as per normal on Matariki (20 June). 
• On street metered parking is free on public holidays
• Some facilities and services may have reduced hours or may be closed, you can find out more on the Council’s holiday hours page.
• Please check train timetables on Metlink  and plan ahead this Matariki weekend as buses will be replacing train across the network. Delays are expected with no trains from Friday 20 June to Sunday 22 June, excluding the Wairarapa Line, where trains will operate between Masterton and Upper Hutt. Rail services resume Monday morning, 23 June.