Celebrate the magic of Matariki across Tauranga Moana and the Western Bay of Plenty, with the Matariki Te Tauranga o ngā Waka event series, taking place from 28 May to 22 June 2025.
There are different regional variations, traditions, whetu (stars) and tikanga around celebrating Te Mātahi o te Tau, the Māori New Year. Matariki is celebrated across Aotearoa New Zealand with a public holiday on Friday, 20 June 2025.
This year, our regional events are themed around the whetu Waipuna-ā-rangi, which is connected to the ua (rains). Waipuna-ā-rangi means water that pools in the sky (ngā puna wai i te Rangi.
Matariki Te Tauranga o ngā Waka encompasses events from Waiororo, near Athenree in the north, to Ōtamarākau, near Maketu, in the south. Throughout Matariki, our region will come alive with events including live performances, exhibitions, workshops, family events, and more.
Matariki is an opportunity to reflect, celebrate our history and make plans for our future. In doing so, we acknowledge our traditions, language and culture, which together give us a sense of who we are. Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori.
Visit mymatariki.co.nz to view all the events. Matariki event booklets are available from Tauranga City Libraries or download an event booklet here.