Matariki Set to Sparkle at Auckland’s Waterfront This Weekend

Now in its fifth year, Matariki returns to Auckland’s waterfront for the final weekend of the month-long festival - as the city celebrates Māori New Year, when Matariki is seen low in the north-east sky. There’s an incredible array of entertainment, food and activities for friends and whanau to enjoy throughout the weekend, 15-17 July, at Silo Park.

Friday 15 July:

The festivities begin on Friday, 5pm to 10pm, with delicious kai, music and so much more. Don't miss the enchanting optical experience of ‘The Seven Silos of Matariki’, world-class light installations, as well as UV table tennis and drawing. With an array of food and beverages on offer, the weekend begins with an almighty community feast, while DJs Matene and Roo of the Māori Hifi spin smooth tunes. Members of the Auckland Astronomical Society will also be on-site aiming their telescopes at Jupiter, Saturn and the Moon, providing a free, educational experience sure to enlighten and grow understanding of the Matariki season. The Silo Park Bar will be open throughout the weekend with delicious Mulled wine and other beverages on offer.

While out and about in Auckland City on Friday night why not also check out Te Korakora on Federal, as Auckland Council and SKYCITY Auckland have combined to present a night of Māori-inspired kai, music and fashion to this year’s festival on Auckland CBD’s Federal Street. Highlights include street kai, local fashion, TrinityRoots playing live, and a special performance from the Patea Māori Club - who will collaborate with contemporary poi group, POI360, on a version of their hit song Poi E.

And to really top things off, Auckland Libraries have created an amazing video Ngā mata o te ariki, o Tāwhirimātea to tell the story of Matariki. It will be be projected onto the walls of the St James Theatre building during the Tūrama Matariki Light Show at Central Library on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 July, as well as fire poi, drumming, kapa haka, dance, a photo booth and a mural-making opportunity. In all, there’s so much on offer to make for nights out in Auckland City this weekend.

Saturday 16 July:

Matariki on the Waterfront picks up again on Saturday afternoon with a raft of activity from 2pm to 10pm, including the Mighty Matariki Markets in full swing with a huge array of Māori food and specialist craft offerings. There will also be a series of spectacular Taonga Puoro (Māori flute) performances from Rewi Spaggon and Riki Bennet, taking place as the sun sets on Saturday, with six half-hour performances from 4:30pm though out the night. Night sees the light installations spring to life once again, accompanied by sweet sounds from DJs Gene Rivers and Lo Key. The Auckland Astronomical Society will be back, aiming their telescopes at Jupiter, Saturn and the Moon for some enlightening star-gazing on a magnificent night.

Sunday 17 July:

The final day of Matariki on the Waterfront runs from 12 noon to 5pm, with markets, Silo6 installations and more. The Mighty Matariki Markets will feature amazing interactive kite, flag and star workshops, thanks to Nga Puawaitanga O Tamaki. There will be an educational Matariki Korero from one of the E Tū Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Kaumatuas, about how Matariki connects to whenua, moana and rangi. Legends of Maui storytelling sessions will also take place, along with more traditional Māori games and activities with He Oranga Poutama ki Tamaki Makaurau. The Mighty Matariki Markets will be in full swing, including a hearty selection of kai for hungry pukus. Matariki is a time to celebrate and bring people together, an opportunity to play, share and learn new things, and He Oranga Poutama ki Tamaki Makaurau will be offering free traditional Maori activities, including rakau, pōtaka, poi toa and mu torere.

Be sure to head to Auckland’s Waterfront for the final weekend of Matariki Festival, a chance to celebrate, reflect and explore with whanau and friends. As the new year begins, together as a community we share knowledge, prepare and celebrate the commencement of a new life cycle, as the NZ Māori have done for generations.

Entry to all Matariki on the Waterfront events are completely free. The event will continue no matter the weather, however activities may be subject to change accordingly.

Ka puta Matariki ka rere Whānui.

Ko te tohu tēnā o te tau e!

Matariki re-appears, Whānui starts its flight.

Being the sign of the [new] year!

ends

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