Matariki Festival returns to Auckland with exciting events

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Auckland, June 11, 2018

The star of Aucklands winter season, the Matariki Festival, returns with an exciting line-up of more than 100 events region-wide from June 30 to July 22, 2018; from an evocative dawn karakia, to captivating kapa haka, a street party, family kite-flying events, lighting shows and cultural events across Auckland. All in celebration of Matariki, the Mori New Year.

For an unforgettable experience, join host iwi Te Kawerau a Maki as they open the festival with a Dawn Karakia on Saturday 30 June at Arataki Visitor Centre; bless the new year with karanga, the sounds of ancient karakia, waiata and a haka composed specifically to mark the occasion.

Lighting up Landmarks

Throughout Matariki Festival, prominent landmarks will Light Up Tmakiin Matariki colours. Events across Auckland will spread the joy of light, such as the popular InMotion Matariki, Te Ara Rama Matariki Light Trailand the all-new Pou Rama in Aotea Square.

Joining them, from 6 pm, Sunday July 1, Vector Lights on Auckland Harbour Bridge will shine in celebration of Matariki and festival iwi manaaki (host), Te Kawerau a Maki.

The light show and accompanying soundtrack celebrates the story of their arrival in Tmaki Makaurau and their role as kaitiaki over the Waitkere Ranges and the mighty kauri.

The show will run from 6 pm to midnight on Sunday July 1 and every Friday and Saturday through to the end of the festival.

Traditional Kite-Flying

Festival favourite Manu Aute Kite Day celebrates the tradition of kite flying across Tmaki Makaurau, with simultaneous events in rkei, Puketpapa and Manurewa.

Marvel as the sky fills with kites of all shapes and sizes, symbolically connecting heaven and earth. Watch the professionals manoeuvre huge kites in the sky or have a go yourself and send your messages to the heavens.

This year Matariki on the Move tours Mori arts around Tmaki Makaurau with two distinct performance series supported by Te Wnanga o Aotearoa; Waiata and Ngahau.

Matariki on the Move

In Matariki on the Move: Waiata, four striking female vocalists – Annie Crummer, Betty-Anne Monga, Maisey Rika and Ria Hall – come together as Khui Whet, a powerful quartet of vocal prowess, to celebrate Matariki. See the talent of the future perform at Matariki on the Move: Ngahau, featuring performing arts students from Te Wnanga o Aotearoa.

Dont miss captivating performances highlighting the power of wahine at Te Taumata Kapa Haka – Wahine Toa on 14 July at ASB Waterfront Theatre, featuring top kapa haka Waihirere and Te Waka Huia.

Grab your friends after work on Friday, July 20 and head to Te Korakora on Federal, an urban street party in collaboration with SkyCity and powered by Huawei P20.

Experience the vibrant sights, sounds and flavours of te ao Mori on Federal Street. Dance the night away under the Matariki stars while enjoying a stellar line-up of local music talent, including Ria Hall, Che Fu, Annie Crummer, Rob Ruha and the Witch Doctor, accompanied by some tasty Mori-inspired dishes from SkyCity executive chefs.

Understanding Maori Culture

Mayor Phil Goff is looking forward to the huge array of events in this years festival and the opportunity for Aucklanders to learn about Mori culture.

Matariki is the time we recognise the culture and traditions of this countrys tangata whenua, and this year we are proud to host the festival with Te Kawerau a Maki.

Traditionally, whnau would come together to celebrate the rising of Matariki that indicated the start of the Mori Year and its new beginnings, to reflect on the past and show respect for the land on which they lived. Matariki gives Aucklanders and visitors the opportunity to come together and hear from this years host iwi, Te Kawerau a Maki, their unique stories and traditions, he said.

Chief Executive of Te Wnanga o Aotearoa Dr Jim Mather is excited to continue to partner with Auckland Council and support Matariki Festival.

Were excited to be Matariki Festivals principal partner for the third year its a great opportunity to showcase our talented Auckland-based performing arts students and the programmes we offer.

Community Events

A range of community events will also bring Aucklanders together to reflect on and celebrate our uniqueness in relation to the Matariki season. Some great new events this year include Matariki Gourmet Hngi, where top-notch restaurants and their famous chefs try their hand at cooking in an earth oven, acclaimed te reo Mori theatre production He Kura E Huna Ana and the WAI.TAI and Kai collaboration of Mori world music and modern Mori kai at The New Zealand Maritime Museum.

Matariki Festival is proudly hosted by Auckland Council in partnership with iwi manaaki Te Kawerau a Maki with the help of Te Wnanga o Aotearoa and Vector Lights (principal partners), AMI Insurance (supporting partner), SKYCITY, Huawei P20 and Te Matatini Kapa Haka Aotearoa (supporters) and Mai FM (media partner).

For more information see matarikifestival.org.nz and follow us on Facebook and #matarikifestival.

Pick up a programme from your local library, Auckland Council arts facility or participating event venue.

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