Matariki Festival At O Wairoa Marae

Te Tuhi and O Wairoa Marae are thrilled to announce a Matariki Festival, taking place on Saturday 14 June 2025 at O Wairoa Marae in Howick.

Matariki is signalled by the reappearance of the Matariki cluster of stars. It is a time to reflect remember and embrace new beginnings.

Join us for a vibrant day full of creativity, discovery, and connection. From craft workshops and games to delicious kai, performances, and music, there's something for everyone.

The Matariki Festival at O Wairoa Marae is a beautiful opportunity to explore Te Ao Māori and engage in shared moments of learning.

Alongside the festival activities, the audience is invited to visit the exhibition Kotahitanga: Ō Wairoa Marae in the Tainui Garden of Memories, hosted by the Malcom Smith Gallery at UXBRIDGE.

Festival Details

Date: Saturday, 14 June 2025

Time: 10am - 3pm

Location: O Wairoa Marae and UXBRIDGE Arts & Culture, 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Festival Highlights

The day will commence with a public ceremony at 10am to officially launch the festival activities.

Workshops and Demonstrations

Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in various workshops and demonstrations including tītī tōrea (short stick game), mau rākau (weaponry using long sticks), raranga (weaving), poi making, and he ara uku (clay work).

Cultural Performances

Enjoy a range of performances in the Uxbridge Theatre, featuring Korean Dancers and kapa haka performances from local schools.

International Activities

The International Women's Association will be offering activities including origami, bean bag games, fried noddle tasting, a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, language corner, lantern making and much more.

All-day BBQ

Enjoy a free sausage sizzle and vegan hot pot, served throughout the day.

Matariki Festival at O Wairoa Marae, 2024. Photo courtesy of Te Tuhi.

Everyone is welcome for a free day of festivities, cultural enrichment, and community engagement as we celebrate Matariki and the spirit of togetherness.

Kotahitanga: Ō Wairoa Marae in the Tainui Garden of Memories

Emilia Maud Nixon and Torere Garden of-Memories, Howick, c. 1948. Photo courtesy of Ō Wairoa Marae

Hosted by the Malcom Smith Gallery at UXBRIDGE until 21 June, this exhibition explores the history and purpose of Ō Wairoa Marae in the Tainui Garden of Memories is explored through kōrero, taonga and artefacts, all of which have remained onsite.

When Emilia Maude Nixon arrived in Howick in 1925, she established the Tainui Garden of Memories in the spirit of Kotahitanga (unity), with the support of Ngāi Tai kaumātua, under the korowai of the Kiingitanga.

In the past thirty years, the Tainui Garden of Memories has become Ō Wairoa Marae. The vision of Kotahitanga has remained since Emilia Maude Nixon, despite violent events and confrontation, because of the resilience and leadership of Whaea Taini Drummond who has been kaitiaki since 1983.

The marae, garden and Emilia Maude Nixon’s collection that sit within are a unique and cherished part of the community, a living taonga that amplifies togetherness and respect for all peoples – tuku aroha.

As Kiingi Tūheitia reminded us, “The wind in our sails is kotahitanga and with that, we will reach our destination.”

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