Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars, that rises in midwinter and for many Māori, heralds the start of the new year. Matariki is a time to celebrate, review the old year, think of loved ones past and present, and set goals for the year to come.
Celebrate Matariki at one of the many community-led events planned around the district. Thank you to event organisers for making Matariki a special time for our communities.
Greytown Festival of Christmas
Greytown Village are delighted to bring the Festival of Christmas back this July, when Greytown celebrates with a month-long programme of spectacular lights, workshops, events, Matariki activities, markets, parties, food and family fun.
Pae Tū Mōkai Matariki Festival
The festival aims to create an environment where our community can come together to reflect on and celebrate this special time of year!
Dates: 14 – 16 July
Location: Featherston
Matariki Art
Greytown’s very own TiMaTa Collaborations will bring Matariki Art to Stella Bull Park – an art exhibition inspired by the seven whetū of Matariki.
Dates: 9 – 16 July
Location: Stella Bull Park, Greytown
Matariki Stargazing
Be part of a unique experience combining science and culture, to discover the seven whetū of Matariki with the experts from Star Safari.
Dates: 10 – 13 July
Location: Star Safari, 1169 Ponatahi Road, Carterton
THURSDAY 13 JULY
Make a Night Vision Torch
Pop into Featherston or Martinborough library and make a night vision torch, then use it to read the new Matariki story at the WLS StoryWalk® at Considine Park in Martinborough or bring it along for the Lantern walk in Featherston on Friday.
Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm
Location: Featherston and Martinborough libraries
Celebrate Matariki at Hau Ariki Marae
Families and friends are welcome to join the powhiri, potluck dinner, stories, songs and stargazing and sleepover (limited to 50 people). Registrations are required.
Date: Thursday 13 July – Friday 14 July
Location: Hau Ariki Marae, Martinborough
Matariki ki Kohunui
Celebrate Matariki at Kohunui Marae. Register your interest on the Kohunui Marae Facebook group page.
Date: Thursday 13 July to Saturday 15 July
Location: Kohunui Marae, Pirinoa
FRIDAY 14 JULY
Toro Atu – Dawn Blessing
Papawai haukainga, in partnership with Greytown Trails Trust, will be erecting a pou in Clifford Square in celebration of influential Wairarapa Rangatira – Nukupewapewa.
Time: 6.30am
Location: Clifford Square, Featherston
Matariki Star Hunt
A ‘star’ treasure hunt throughout the town following clues and hang your star in the Big Oak.
Make a wish to Hiwa-i- te-Rangi!
Time: 10.00am
Location: Featherston
Matariki Community Garden Working Bee
Bring your gardening gloves, trowels, shovels and spades and help us begin to turn this blank canvas into a community garden for all to enjoy!
Time: 10.00am
Location: 64 Fox St, Featherston
Mini Fell – Night Art
Bring the whole whānau for mini-fell train night rides around Clifford Square through phosphorous, glow-in-the-dark artworks!
Time: 3.00pm
Location: Clifford Square, Featherston
Pūrākau/Storytelling, Waiata & Lantern Parade
Listen to Stories for young and old told by Ricky Day and sing along to waiata. Bring your own lantern or LED light and join the lantern parade from Fareham Creative Space to Clifford Square.
Time: 3.00pm
Location: Fareham Creative Space
Matariki Glow Walk – Stargazing with Under the Stars
Martinborough Matariki glow is a community event that will take you on a journey to learn about the 9 stars of Matariki.
Time: 5.30pm
Location: Considine Park, Martinborough
SATURDAY 15 JULY
Bringing Our Stars to Life!
Come sit around the Matariki mat with glow-in-the-dark globes and experience amazing pūrākau about Matariki.
Time: 10.00am
Location: Anzac Hall, 62 Bell St
Community Hāngi
Come and join in for our community hāngi!
Time: 12.00pm
Location: Anzac Hall, 62 Bell St, Featherston
Waiata Mai
Come and learn a kapahaka song with actions!
Time: 2.00pm
Location: Anzac Hall, 62 Bell St, Featherston
Kiriata-ā-Noho
Instead of a drive-in movie, bring a bean bag and a blanket and watch a 45 min compilation of historic footage from 1901 all the way to the present, a snapshot of our nation on film, from Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision.
Time: 4.00pm
Location: Anzac Hall, 62 Bell St, Featherston
Matariki Glow Walk – Glow Candy Floss and Face Painting
Martinborough Matariki glow is a community event that will take you on a journey to learn about the 9 stars of Matariki.
Time: 5.50pm
Location: Considine Park, Martinborough
SUNDAY 16 JULY
Ka Mahara
As part of Matariki, we remember our loved ones who have passed this year.
Time: 10:00am
Location: Featherston Cemetery
Featherston Vinyl Club presents Matariki Jams
What better way to finish a celebration than with some live music!
Time: 3.00pm
Location: Waimarie Eatery & Bar, Featherston
Matariki Glow Walk
Martinborough Matariki glow is a community event that will take you on a journey to learn about the 9 stars of Matariki.
Time: 5.30pm
Location: Considine Park, Martinborough
FRIDAY 21 JULY
Mid-Winter Christmas
The Mid-Winter Christmas celebration at the library will be a magical time! Come and enjoy festive activities, fun crafts and holiday storytime.
Time: 5.00pm
Location: Greytown Library
