Celebrate Matariki

Nau mai, haere mai! 
Celebrate Matariki this year with whānau and friends as our city comes alive with exhibitions, family events, workshops, storytelling and learning.

Friday 17 June - Sunday 24 July

Napier Libraries Storywalk

Pick one of two paths around Napier and follow the Storywalk® with your friends and whānau to read New Zealand stories about Matariki. There are two paths to choose from (Maraenui/Marewa Recreation Reserve and Taradale Park) and a total of four books to read over five weeks.

For more information on this event and more Matariki themed events at the Napier Libraries, please visit the Napier Libraries website here.

Monday 20 June - Thursday 23 June

Kōrero by local waka navigators

6am - 7am, Ātea a Rangi - Star Compass, Waitangi Regional Park, State Highway 51, Awatoto, Napier.
Sighting Matariki, stars and planets. If poor weather, korero will be inside heated marquee with whare whetu (planetarium).

Tuesday 21 June - Saturday 25 June

Marama Luminate Light Trail

6pm – 9pm, Ātea a Rangi - Star Compass, Waitangi Regional Park, State Highway 51, Awatoto, Napier.

Learn about the Matariki star cluster and follow a trail of luminous stones, a traditional practise of Ngati Pahauwera to guide them at night following the reflective glow of the opunga stone in moonlight. The trail leads to light displays that guide you along an estuary that fi lters nutrients for plants, spawning marine life and wading birds. The sensory experience is delivered by wireless headphones to ambient music and narration. 
Free entry.

For more info visit Te Whanganui-A-Orotu | Matariki Events

Wednesday 22 June - Saturday 25 June 

Ngā Whetū o Matariki: A Magical Matariki Light Show

6pm-8pm, Herschell Street, Napier CBD

Bring the whānau along and experience the illumination of the night sky and surrounding buildings with a Matariki star inspired light show in the heart of Napier’s CBD.

Enjoy some kai from local food trucks and make the most of late nights at the MTG.

Friday 24 June

Games night at the Faraday Museum

Friday 24 June - Sunday 26 June

Matariki at the National Aquarium of New Zealand

Learn all about the nine stars of Matariki through posters in the oceanarium. Write a wish on your star, take it home or hang it up on the wall. 

For more info visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand website here.

Saturday 25 June

Whānau/Hapū/Community Activity Day

10am - 4.30pm, Waiohiki Marae

Nau Mai Haere Mai!

Workshop Group Sites:

• Harakeke Making
• String activity’s
• Poi Making
• Maara Kai

Māori games, stalls, entertainment

For more info email Bernadette at lawrence.bernadette1@gmail.com

Monday 27 June

Whānau Ora Workshop

6-7pm, Hau-Te-Ananui Whare, Waiohiki Marae

Kai provided prior to workshop.

For more info email Bernadette at lawrence.bernadette1@gmail.com

Tuesday 28 June

Matariki Hautapu on Mataruahou

6am - 7am Tuesday 28 June, Hospital Terrace. 

Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi alongside Waiohiki whānau will host ‘Matariki Whangai i te hautapu’ a three part ceremony to observe the stars, calling the names of those who passed and making a food offering to the Matariki star cluster in the form of steam rising up into the skies.

Kai provided after ceremony.

All are welcome to this free event but please register your attendance to the event here. 

Pedestrian access to the Mataruahou site is via Hospital Terrace on Hospital Hill.

Hauora Hinengaro

6-7pm, Hau Te Ananui Whare, Waiohiki Marae 

Kai provided prior to workshop. 

To register please RSVP by emailing lawrence.bernadette1@gmail.com

Wednesday 29 June

Matariki Kōrero

6-7pm, Hau Te Ananui Whare, Waiohiki Marae

Kai provided prior to workshop.

To register please RSVP by emailing lawrence.bernadette1@gmail.com

Thursday 14 July

Matariki Glow Show

11am, at the Napier Municipal Theatre

The Matariki Glow Show is back with an all-new, giant-scale puppet show for tamariki, educators and whãnau.

The Glow Show’s magical glow-in-the-dark characters are getting ready to celebrate with you at 40 theatres around Aotearoa, alongside the first-ever nationwide Matariki holiday!

For more information and ticket details visit the Napier Municipal Theatre website here.