Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage
“This year marks the fifth observance of Matariki as a public holiday, highlighting the growing place of the Māori New Year within New Zealand’s national calendar and the many ways it is celebrated across the country” says Chief Advisor, Mātauranga Matariki Professor Rangi Mātāmua.
“Since 2022, nationally broadcast hautapu have marked the rising of Matariki in communities across the country, including Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, Rotorua, Wānaka and Ohakune.”
“Each host iwi has shared their unique way of celebrating the Māori New Year, inviting the nation to connect while strengthening ties to their mātauranga and traditions.”
“After five years of bringing Tamaki Makaurau together at Takaparawhau, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei are now welcoming all of Aotearoa to experience the celebration through a live broadcast from the iconic Waitematā Harbour.”
Secretary for Culture and Heritage, Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae says, “the national theme, Matariki Herenga Waka – For everyone, honours the whakataukī, Tāmaki Herenga Waka – the gathering place of canoes.
“It speaks to bringing people together, welcoming everyone to celebrate Matariki, and recognising the diverse communities that make Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland unique.”
“The theme connects the celebration with communities across the Pacific and beyond. That connection is strengthened by the attendance of representatives from Pacific countries and the European Union at the hautapu, including French Polynesia which celebrated its first Matari’i i ni’a public holiday in Tahiti and French Polynesia last year.”
Last year’s national broadcast reached audiences in 150 countries through the Associated Press network, and global reach is expected to grow in 2026.
“It is fantastic that Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei have created this opportunity for all people to connect with and celebrate a ceremony that is uniquely our own.”
Professor Rangi Mātāmua says “whether it’s attending a local event, joining a marae celebration, or gathering with loved ones at home, there are countless ways for people to mark Matariki.”
“Celebrating Matariki can be as simple as coming together with whānau and friends. The essence of Matariki – remembering those who have passed, celebrating the present, and looking to the future – can be observed in meaningful ways by anyone, anywhere.
“I encourage everyone to celebrate Matariki next Friday – reconnect with loved ones, attend a local event, watch the broadcast, or simply take a moment to look up at the stars” Mātāmua said.
Matariki Herenga Waka is broadcast live from Takaparawhau from 6am on Friday 10 July 2026 streaming on Whakaata Māori, TVNZ+, Sky Open, Pasifika TV, matariki.com, RNZ and Iwi radio.
Notes:
- The pre-dawn hautapu ceremony at Takaparawhau, Bastion Point will involve remembrance of those who have passed, followed by the preparation of kai connected to stars in the Matariki cluster.
- Steam will be released to feed the stars, and tohunga will look to the star cluster and share aspirations for the year ahead.
- A list of some of the many other Matariki events, celebrations and ceremonies is available on the Matariki.com website and is being regularly updated: www.matariki.com/events
- Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei are hosting a number of other special 2026 Matariki events including the Tūhono immersive light trail, Matariki Twilight Markets and Mahuta concert bringing together some of the best kaiwaiata of Te Ao Māori. https://ngatiwhatuaorakei.com/matariki
- Chief Advisor, Mātauranga Matariki Professor Rangi Mātāmua will feature in a concert celebrating Matariki alongside Maisey Rika, Troy Kingi and Stan Walker at the Auckland Town Hall following the hautapu ceremony.