As Tāmaki Makaurau comes together to celebrate Matariki, Matariki ki te Manawa returns to the city centre with illuminated art, storytelling, augmented reality and live performance inspired by the people, places and cultural narratives of the region.
Auckland Live’s Matariki ki te Manawa programme runs from 15 June to 21 July 2026 as part of Auckland Council Events’ Matariki Festival 2026. Through a series of experiences across streets, public spaces and the waterfront, it brings mana whenua, iwi and te ao Māori stories to life.
Tāmaki Makaurau has long been a gathering place for waka from many different shores. Matariki ki te Manawa draws on the spirit of Tāmaki herenga waka, herenga tangata to bring together the people and cultures of the city in celebration and reflection.
The programme connects various places across the city centre. Award-winning light
installation Tūrama on Queen Street returns this year to civic spaces and the waterfront. Together, the five components of the trail remind us of the story of Waihorotiu, the ancient stream that flows beneath the city’s streets. Joined by Taurima in Elliott Street and Reo Haukura in Lorne Street outside the Central Library, the city is in for a fantastic light-filled experience.
Pou Auaha Creative Director Ataahua Papa (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Ngāti Mahuta), who has led Matariki events in Tāmaki Makaurau for 10 years, says Matariki ki te Manawa is an opportunity for everyone to experience the city through the stories of te ao Māori. “The city centre of Tāmaki Makaurau is a vibrant space with so much to share. We have curated inclusive illuminated storytelling experiences grounded in tikanga and mātauranga Māori, to share these stories with all the people and cultures within the city,” says Ataahua Papa.
The programme features a range of art works including light installations, photography, sculptures and light boxes by Graham Tipene, Ataahua Papa, Angus Muir Design, Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole, alongside many other talented artists and storytellers. Auckland Live Director Daniel Clarke says Matariki ki te Manawa creates opportunities for people to connect with the histories, creativity and cultural narratives of Tāmaki Makaurau.
“The programme invites people to see Tāmaki Makaurau through a uniquely Māori lens. Matariki ki te Manawa brings people together in shared public spaces to experience Māori storytelling, celebrate creativity and deepen their connection to the city and one another.”
Matariki ki te Manawa also includes a range of partner events and experiences taking place across central Auckland, including Karangahape Road, the city centre, waterfront and Britomart. Partner organisations include Auckland Libraries, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland Philharmonia, SkyCity, Basement Theatre, Q Theatre, Karangahape Business Association, Commercial Bay and Britomart.
Please refer to the programme guide for a full list of partner events, dates and booking
information. Matariki ki te Manawa forms part of the region-wide Matariki Festival 2026, proudly presented by Ngāti Tamaoho in collaboration with Auckland Council Events. This is the third and final year of Ngāti Tamaoho as iwi manaaki of the Matariki Festival.
The wider Matariki Festival programme includes Ngā Reo o te Rangi: Voices of the Stars at Auckland Town Hall, the national Hautapu ceremony at Takaparawhau, hosted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the return of Vector Lights for Matariki on the Auckland Harbour Bridge and concludes with Te Kora Kora ki Waihorotiu at Shed 10 - a free all ages concert.
Ataahua Papa says there is also a range of exciting community-led pop-ups taking place throughout the festival and encourages people to explore the city centre and discover the stories woven throughout the programme.“There is something for everyone at Matariki ki te Manawa regardless of your reo or Matariki knowledge. Follow the trails, discover the artworks and experience, and let the stories of this rohe guide your journey through the city,” adds Ataahua Papa.
Pictured above: Te Wehenga Moana (part of Tūrama), credit: Jay Farnworth
