Shining Bright: Embrace Matariki 2023 with Feasts, Stargazing, Arts, and Crafts

Matariki: A Time for Reflection and Celebration

Matariki Significance and Traditions

Matariki, the Māori New Year, holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for the people of Aotearoa (New Zealand). It is a time of reflection, remembrance, and setting intentions for the year ahead. Celebrated according to the Māori lunar calendar, the exact date of Matariki varies each year. This year, the official holiday falls on July 14, with celebrations and events extending several days beyond.

At its core, Matariki is a time for gathering with whānau (family) and loved ones, coming together to share in the abundance of blessings, honor those who have passed, and embrace new beginnings. Recognizing the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world, Matariki also encourages a deeper understanding of te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) and the stars that signify the arrival of the New Year.

Events and Activities to Engage in

Wherever you may be in Aotearoa, there are various ways you can engage in the spirit of Matariki. From feasting on traditional Māori cuisine to stargazing and immersing yourself in the arts and crafts, here are some suggestions for celebrating this special time of the year:

Matariki Festival in Pēwhairangi, Bay of Islands

Running until July 22, the Bay of Islands Matariki festival offers workshops, live music, cultural experiences, and special Matariki-themed dishes served in local restaurants. Take the opportunity to indulge in a four-course Matariki set menu at Paroa Bay’s Sage Restaurant or the modern indigenous banquet at The Duke of Marlborough pub, prepared by high-profile Māori chefs including the renowned sisters Kārena & Kasey Bird and Rewi Spraggon, also known as the Hāngī Master.

Matariki Show at Stardome Observatory, Auckland

Escape Auckland’s unpredictable weather and explore the significance of Matariki and the stars that herald its arrival at the annual Matariki show, Ngā Whetū o te Tau Hou or The Stars of the New Year, at Stardome Observatory. Bookings are essential to secure your place in the planetarium and immerse yourself in this cosmic celebration of Māori culture.

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Head to the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki for a day filled with food, performances, a market of handcrafted Māori goods, and Matariki-inspired craft workshops for children. Experience the artistic brilliance of Grammy Award-winning performer and instrumentalist Jerome Kavanagh, among others, as they pay homage to Matariki. The gallery also hosts various performances and talks throughout the Matariki period.

Matariki Boil-up at Homeland, Auckland

Indulge in a warming Māori soup, known as a boil-up, at Peter Gordon’s restaurant and cooking school Homeland. While the restaurant is closed on July 14, the traditional boil-up special will be available for the next two weeks. Gordon and Homeland head chef Dinesh Pm have put their own touch on this traditional dish, incorporating pork rib, cheek, hāngī pork belly, kūmara, potatoes, cabbage, watercress, broth, and horopito doughboys. If you visit the area, don’t miss the IWA lighting installation around Viaduct Harbour, featuring nine illuminated buoys representing the Matariki stars.

Colourful Quilt Exhibition in Tauranga

Discover the beauty of Matariki through a vibrant quilt exhibition, Heavenly Bodies, by Maungarongo “Ron” Te Kawa, at the Tauranga Art Gallery. Te Kawa’s quilts, inspired by Matariki and the Pleiades constellation, depict the mother star, Matariki, and her eight children. The gallery’s dimmed atmosphere creates a serene night sky ambiance, allowing visitors to appreciate the intricate sewing, use of materials, threads, and embellishments that represent each star’s identity within the Matariki constellation.

Ahi Kā on Wellington’s Waterfront

Visit Wellington’s waterfront until July 16 for Ahi Kā, a captivating multimedia display featuring projections, performances, installations, and food trucks. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Matariki as you explore this vibrant celebration of Māori culture.

Illuminated displays and cultural festival in Arrowtown

On July 14, Arrowtown in Kā Muriwai will come alive with illuminated displays, firepits, and a cultural festival. Experience the retelling of Arrowtown’s Māori heritage through lighting and projections, accompanied by karakia (chanting), waiata (songs), and insightful discussions about the Matariki stars and their astronomical position in relation to New Zealand.

Woodfired Feast in Glenorchy

For a truly immersive Matariki experience, make your way to The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp, a scenic 45-minute drive from Queenstown. Enjoy a wholesome woodfired winter feast, followed by an overnight stay in one of the warm and stylish cabins. The breathtaking skies and natural beauty of the surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for embracing the spirit of Matariki.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Spirit of Matariki

Matariki is a time of gratitude, reflection, and celebration. It offers an opportunity for all New Zealanders, regardless of their cultural background, to engage with Māori traditions and the richness of te ao Māori. Whether you choose to indulge in delicious Matariki feasts, immerse yourself in the arts, or gaze upon the stars that guide us, Matariki reminds us of the interconnectedness of all things and encourages us to welcome the new year with open hearts and minds. Let us embrace the spirit of Matariki and continue to build a more inclusive and culturally aware Aotearoa.