Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is welcoming people from across Tāmaki Makaurau and beyond to come together for Matariki Herenga Waka, a city-wide celebration of the Māori New Year led by mātauranga Māori and open to everyone.
The programme brings together cultural experiences, contemporary arts and opportunities to come together throughout June and July. Matariki Herenga Waka – For Everyone, embraces the national theme, drawing on the well-known kōrero of Tāmaki Makaurau as Tāmaki Herenga Waka — a place where waka and people converge. It reflects the essence of Matariki as a time for everyone to come together, remember those who have passed, celebrate the present and look ahead to the future.
As tangata whenua of Tāmaki Makaurau, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is proud to host a programme that provides opportunities for everyone to experience Matariki in authentic and accessible ways.
On 10 July, thousands of people are expected to gather at Takaprawhau Bastion Point for Hautapu ā Motu, the national Matariki Hautapu ceremony. Building on Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s annual Hautapu, this year it takes on national significance as the iwi hosts the national ceremony with Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage and Professor Rangi Matamua, whose work has been central to the resurgence of Matariki across Aotearoa.
"Matariki gives us the time and space to remember those we have lost, including many rangatira from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, other iwi and communities across Aotearoa who have passed this year," says Marama Royal, Chair of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
"As we honour those who have gone before us, we also look ahead with optimism. For Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, this Matariki marks a season of growth and new beginnings, including the opening of our new kura later this month.
"There is much for us to be hopeful about and to celebrate. We are proud to welcome people from across Tāmaki Makaurau to join us for a range of events and experiences, and to celebrate this important season together."
The programme showcases the many dimensions of Matariki through art, music, mātauranga, kai, community, taiao and whānau experiences.
Highlights include (full details below):
· Hautapu ā Motu, the annual pre-dawn ceremony on Takaparawhau that brings together thousands of people in remembrance, reflection and aspiration.
· Tūhono, an immersive light trail, a 2km indigenous art trail, connecting key locations through the city centre.
· Mahuta, a celebration of indigenous musical excellence curated by Majic Pāora featuring leading Māori artists and performers.
· Matariki Twilight Markets, bringing together kai, creativity, entertainment and community in Te Tōangaroa, the first tangata whenua urban precinct.
· Community experiences including native planting, raranga workshops and rongoā Māori learning opportunities.
Together, these experiences create a comprehensive Matariki programmes, offering multiple ways for people to authentically engage with the season and its values.
Matariki Herenga Waka runs throughout June and July, with events taking place across Tāmaki Makaurau.
