Mānawatia a Matariki

Celebrate Matariki – the beginning of the New Year in Aotearoa New Zealand, marked by the rising of the Matariki star cluster.

Matariki Māori business showcase

Celebrate Matariki at Te Papa with a vibrant Māori artist and business showcase. Connect with talented makers, share stories, and explore unique Māori creations. 

Panel talk: Kōrero Matariki – Te hauora o te kai

Join us for weekly live kōrero (talk) with guest speakers, as they share te ao Māori (the Māori world) understandings of health and wellbeing, featuring taonga (treasures) from our collections.

This event will be livestreamed.

After Dark: Matariki

Join us for a free, adults-only late-night event to celebrate the rising of Matariki and Puanga, with an evening of music, storytelling, mātauranga (Māori knowledge systems), workshops and kai (food). 

NZSL programme available.

Matariki 2025 at Te Papa

Mānawatia a Matariki! Come celebrate Matariki at Te Papa with a series of whakangahau (concerts), kōrero (conversations), and whānau-friendly activities that allow you to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.

plenty serious TALK TALK

Kia Mau Festival presents plenty serious TALK TALK, a theatre show that takes its first international step across the Tasman, bringing its premiere show to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Unfortunately, these shows have been cancelled.

Matariki specials at Te Papa Cafe

Experience Matariki with our star-inspired café specials, featuring seasonal dishes that reflect kai Māori  and celebrate ingredients sourced from the land, sea, and sky. 

Panel talk: Kōrero Matariki – Te hauora o te hinengaro

Join us for weekly live kōrero (talk) with guest speakers, as they share te ao Māori (the Māori world) understandings of health and wellbeing, featuring taonga (treasures) from our collections.

Tamariki Time: Matariki

Learn about karetao (Māori puppets), and create a mini kākahu (cloak/clothing).

Whānau Day: Matariki

A day for you and your whānau (family) to come and celebrate Matariki. 

NZSL programme available.

Matariki Pātaka Kai

Join us for Matariki Pātaka Kai – a vibrant dinner with seasonal kai (food) and shared moments under the winter sky. Gather in the spirit of this year’s theme – Matariki mā Puanga, which is all about inclusion and diversity, and celebrating together.

Rēwena bread bug creation workshop with Natura Aura

Join Natura Aura for a free, hands-on workshop exploring the cultural, scientific, and nourishing world of traditional Māori rēwena bread and its living sourdough bug.  

Taikura Kapa Haka 2025

Experience over 600 kaumātua (elders) from around the motu (country) performing at Taikura Kapa Haka 2025.

Matariki: The Māori New Year

Learn all about Matariki and see our events. Matariki is a time to gather with family and friends to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.

Puanga is the star of Matariki 2025

The 2025 theme of Matariki mā Puanga highlights communities who observe Puanga astronomical traditions and is all about celebrating and learning about the Māori new year together.

Find out more about this year's theme on the Matariki website.