Unite with whanau, friends and community and brighten up winter this Matariki.
Matariki rises on 2 July this year and heralds a month of live events, light shows, exhibitions, workshops and
activities across the district.
Kāpiti Coast District Mayor K Gurunathan says the Māori new year is a significant time for all New Zealanders and is a
time to come together to reflect on the past and look to the future.
“The rising of the star cluster Matariki (also known as Pleiades) in mid-winter signals the beginning of the Māori new
year. It has always been a time of celebration and reflection – bringing together whānau, friends and neighbours during
the cold winter months.
“This year Council is hosting and supporting a programme of events and there’s something for everyone, in every
community.
“Matariki is a time of kotahitanga - through unity, tangata whenua and communities have strength. Council’s role is to
work together to ensure our district’s heritage and culture flourishes, so we’re pleased to support iwi and the
community in planning these celebrations,” says Mayor Gurunathan.
The anchor event, Matariki Lighting the Beacons Festival, is produced by Māorilands Charitable Trust and proudly supported by Council through the Major Events Fund.
It is bookended by two colourful opening and losing weekends. Maclean Park in Paraparaumu Beach is set to glow with
light artworks, music and local food on the weekend of July 2-3, including a Matariki Kids Bike Light Parade. And the
Festival ends spectacularly with another family friendly weekend of light artworks, food and performances at Ōtaki Beach
Surf Club Park on 23-24 July.
In between, Lighting the Beacons Festival sees many more free music, arts, theatre and community events for Kāpiti
whānau to enjoy, throughout July.
And if you’re looking for something to do indoors, there is a full calendar of events and activities at our Kāpiti
libraries including art displays, taonga puoro, storytelling, craft workshops and gardening activities.
To find Matariki events near you visit www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/matariki/