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 the event organisers for making Matariki a special time for our communities.

*If you are running a community-led event this Matariki and would like us to add it to this page, please email us at: media@swdc.govt.nz

Hau Ariki Marae Martinborough

Starting 17 June, whānau and friends are invited to Hau Ariki Marae to celebrate Matariki at a series of wānanga (gatherings) to learn through shared experiences.  

Wānanga Waiata – join in weekly waiata (singing) group.
Monday June 17 & 24, 6.30-7.30pm

Wānanga Marae – be welcomed or reconnect with the marae. Learn about Hau Ariki Marae and practice.
Thursday June 20, 6.30pm-8pm
Saturday June 22, 11am-12pm

Wānanga Matariki – learn about Matariki and celebrate Matariki at a dawn viewing, then enjoy hot drinks.
Thursday June 27, 7pm-8.30pm
Friday June 28, 5.30am-7am

Wānanga Hononga – Pōhiri (welcome to marae). The finale of the Wānanga series links togther Matariki, marae practice, waiata and community.
Saturday July 13, 10am

Register for an individual wānanga or the series at hauariki@gmail.com 
Click here to view the Hau Ariki Marae event calendar or visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HauarikiMarae

Pae Tū Mōkai Featherston Matariki Festival

National Library Matariki School Event
Thursday 27 June, 9.30am-3pm
Kiwi Hall

Te Whāngai i te Hautapu
Friday 28 June, 7am
St Teresa’s School

Matariki Star Hunt
Friday 28 June, 10am
Around town

Kapa Haka Pōwhiri/Welcome 
Friday 28 June, 12pm
Anzac Hall

Hāngi & Entertainment
Friday 28 June, 1pm
Anzac Hall

Kiriata-ā-Noho/Movie time
Friday 28 June, 1:30pm
Anzac Hall

Activities for Everyone
Friday 28 June, 2pm
Anzac Hall

Mini-Fell Trains**
Friday 28 June, 4pm-cold
Clifford Square

Glow in the Arts**
Friday 28 June, 6pm
Clifford Square

Ka Mahara at the Cemetery**
Sunday 30 June, 12pm
Cemetery

Matariki Markets
Sunday 30 June, 10am-1pm
Waimarie

Matariki Vinyl Club
Sunday 30 June, 3pm
Waimarie

For more information about these events use this link to view the Pae Tū Mōkai event calendar.
**Some events are weather dependent, updates and more information can be found by visiting the Featherston Matariki Facebook page.

Greytown Festival of Christmas

Festival of Christmas: Matariki Harakeke whetū workshop
Thursday 11 & Friday 12 July, 10:30am-12pm
Cobblestones Museum & Early Settlers Village
For more information and to register visit: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/festival-of-christmas-matariki-harakeke-whetu-workshop/greytown

Festival of Christmas: Discover the whetū of Matariki
Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 July, 6:30am
Cobblestones Museum & Early Settlers Village
For more information and to register visit: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/festival-of-christmas-discover-the-whetu-of-matariki/greytown

Festival of Christmas: Harakeke Kete Workshop
Sunday 14 & 21 July, 2:30pm
Cobblestones Museum & Early Settlers Village
For more information and to register visit: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/festival-of-christmas-harakeke-kete-workshop/greytown

Festival of Christmas: Star Safari Dark Sky Discovery
Tuesday 16, Wednesday 17 and Friday 19 July, 6pm-7.30pm
Cobblestones Museum & Early Settlers Village
For more information adn to register visit: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/festival-of-christmas-star-safari-dark-sky-discovery/greytown

To find out more about these and other exciting events visit https://www.greytownvillage.com/greytown-festival-of-christmas-programme

To learn more about Matariki visit https://www.matariki.com/