Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki
Celebrate the rising of Matariki
We are celebrating Matariki with a range of activities to celebrate the Māori New Year!
Matariki is a star cluster that appears in the night sky in June or July each year, marking the beginning of the Māori New Year.
Unlike a constellation, which is made up of stars that only appear close together from Earth but may be far apart in space, a star cluster like Matariki consists of stars that are physically near each other. The Matariki cluster, contains around 500 stars, although only a nine are visible to the naked eye.
Check out our great range of Matariki activities below.
In Te Puawānanga our science and technology centre, make a digital wish for the New Year to Hiwa-i-te-rangi (the star of wishes and aspirations), and see the beautiful artwork of Huriana Kopeke-Te Aho (Tūhoe/Ngāti Porou/Rongowhakaata/Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi/Ngāti Kahungungu).
Create and design your own whetū in the Science Alive Te Manawa Magic Box and let your creativity flow with star weaving, star themed arts and crafts and colouring in. Plus, take part in the Mataraiki stamp trail and explore MOTAT, can you collect all the stars?
Join us in the Aviation Hall on Wednesday 18 June for the FETU Creative Forum — a live panel discussion dedicated to empowering emerging Pasifika creatives through knowledge exchange, open dialogue, and industry connection. Guests include Mara TK, Troy Kingi , DJ Spell and Coco Solid with MC and moderator Gene Rivers. This evening is FREE to attend however bookings are essential.
Ngā Kōrero Rererangi: Aviation Conversations will also return on 10 July, featuring guest speaker Envico Technologies CEO Cameron Baker. Envico Technologies is a Kaupapa Māori company that utilise drone technology to help monitor and improve environmental outcomes. This is a ticketed event and bookings are essential.
Don't forget to look out for our Heritage trams that will be proudly displaying Matariki flags over the next two weeks too!