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Nau mai haere mai!Matariki is a significant cultural event celebrated in New Zealand, marking the beginning of the Māori New Year. Derived from the Māori language, "Matariki" refers to the Pleiades star cluster, which becomes visible in the pre-dawn sky during the winter months in the Southern Hemisphere. This celestial event holds great cultural and spiritual importance for the Māori people, serving as a time for reflection, renewal, and connection with their ancestral roots.
During the Matariki festival, which typically takes place in June or July, communities across New Zealand come together to commemorate this celestial event. The festivities involve a range of cultural activities, including traditional ceremonies, storytelling, dance performances, arts and crafts, and feasting. Each region and community may have its unique way of celebrating Matariki, emphasising local traditions and customs.
The significance of Matariki extends beyond the astronomical event. It serves as an opportunity to honour and pay respects to ancestors, acknowledge the bountiful harvest season, and prepare for the year ahead. The sighting of Matariki is seen as a symbol of new beginnings, hope, and aspirations. It is a time for personal reflection, setting goals, and fostering community connections.
Come join us as we celebrate Matariki in Papatoetoe or as we call it at The Pa! Doors open at 5pm where we will have the following available:
- Maori Kai grazing selection
- Live Music
- Maori Potraits (First in first serve, no bookings just walk in and it's free
- Patu Workshop (During the kapahaka intermission breaks)
- Taiaha Workshop (During the kapahaka intermission breaks)
- Moko Kauai Station
- Kapahaka Showcase by the Ahi Ka Culture Academy who have just returned from their tour of Korea. They will be doing their showcase twice that evening from 6-7pm and 8-9pm.
- Matariki Quiz & WIN (During the kapahaka intermission breaks)
Brought to you by The Community Builders NZ Trust team, supported by the ETW team and proudly funded and supported by The Otara-Papatoetoe local board. A huge nga mihi to you all.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Papatoetoe Town Hall, Beyond Fabrics, 32 St George St, Papatoetoe, Auckland 2025, New Zealand,Auckland, New Zealand