Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s leading cultural organisations are coming together this Matariki to deliver a region-wide programme of events, experiences and activities that celebrate connection, reflection and wellbeing.
The coordinated programme is a joint initiative of Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum, the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), Te Whatu Stardome Observatory and Planetarium, and the Tātaki Auckland Unlimited-operated Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa, and Auckland Zoo.
Running across Auckland Council Events’ annual Matariki Festival season from 4-19 July, the programme features events that form part of the festival, alongside aligned experiences across the region including workshops, storytelling, performances, astronomy experiences, whānau activities and opportunities to connect with this year’s Tāmaki Makaurau regional theme Matariki ki te Rangi (Matariki in the sky).
The collaboration reflects a growing alliance across Auckland’s cultural sector to deliver more connected experiences for Aucklanders and visitors, while strengthening storytelling grounded in Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview) for this Matariki season.
Desley Simpson, Deputy Mayor of Auckland, says the alliance demonstrates the value of collaboration across the region’s cultural institutions.
“Matariki is an important time for communities across Tāmaki Makaurau to come together to reflect, celebrate and look ahead. Collectively, our cultural organisations offer a rich and accessible programme for Aucklanders and visitors alike.
“This collaboration also supports council’s direction to encourage greater coordination across the cultural sector, helping organisations share knowledge and resources, strengthen outcomes and create meaningful experiences for our communities.”
Vincent Lipanovich, Director of New Zealand Maritime Museum and Partnerships for Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, says the alliance creates opportunities to tell a more connected Tāmaki Makaurau story.
“Each organisation offers something different, from art and history to science, nature and astronomy. Together we bring breadth and depth to the experiences to be enjoyed across the region’s cultural organisations this Matariki.
“Through this programme, we want people to experience the essence of Matariki in ways that are engaging, accessible and grounded in the identity of Tāmaki Makaurau.”
The programme includes both free and ticketed events, with experiences designed for whānau, tamariki, and Tāmaki Makaurau residents and visitors of all ages.
Across the festival period, programme highlights include Matariki – Ngā Whetū o te Tau Hou / The Stars of the New Year at Te Whatu Stardome, an immersive planetarium experience, as well as guided meditation sessions, live music, and self-guided dawn hīkoi to Maungakiekie summit. At the New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa, tamariki can build a cardboard waka and take part in an interactive journey exploring the stars of Matariki, Pacific navigation, and the knowledge the night sky holds about life and the natural world.
Matariki at MOTAT will bring together digital wishing-star activities, whetū making, a Matariki stamp trail and an immersive VR experience, alongside a special Weather Science Live Day on 19 July exploring the stars Waipunarangi and Ururangi. On 10 July, Auckland Art Gallery will host Matariki Ahunga Nui, a free whānau-friendly day of performances and craft activities inspired by Hiwa-i-te-Rangi, including kapa haka, a new Matariki contemporary dance work by Taane Mete and his collaborators, indie rock with taonga pūoro by Greatsouth, a waiata singalong and more.
Auckland Museum’s Matariki programme will bring together storytelling, performance, and whānau activities including the launch and reading of Astromancer 3: Ariā and the Monster Island by Witi Ihimaera on 5 July, and performances of Matariki for Tamariki by the New Zealand Dance Company on 10, 11 and 12 July. At Auckland Zoo, Matariki will be celebrated through the July school holiday activities inspired by the star Waitī. This includes a Matariki Community Day with Mai FM and Ōtara Waterways Trust, featuring planting, free community kai, and learning about the importance of freshwater environments. Dinosaur Nights & Lights, a night-time experience, will also be on offer on the Dinosaur Discovery Track where visitors can see animatronic dinosaurs illuminated after dark.
A dedicated webpage featuring more information on the programme is available here.
