Matariki - Follow the Stars
Date
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Check out the fantastic range of community events planned to celebrate Matariki from Thursday 27 June to Sunday 12 July.
Thursday 25 June
Mākoura College Matariki Community Celebration
Join together for kai, kōrero and connection as we celebrate the stars of Matariki and Hiwa-i-te-rangi. Enjoy performances from Mākoura’s Māori Performing Arts group, staff waiata, The Voice Mākoura, and ‘What’s in the Kete?’
When 5:30-8:30pm, Thursday 25 June
Where Mākoura College, Mākoura Road
Star Matariki and Hiwa-i-te-rangi
Friday 26 June
Eating Stars
Enjoy free 3D printed pancakes in the shape of stars - celebrating Tupu-ā-rangi (food from the sky). For one night only, you can eat the stars!
When 4-7pm, Friday 26 June
Where Fab Lab Masterton, 6 Dixon Street
Star Tupu-ā-rangi
Saturday 27 June
Matariki at the Community Garden
Celebrate Tupu-a-nuku – the star of food, harvest, cultivation from the land. There’ll be storytelling around the fire, fresh homemade soup, and community connection.
When 5-8pm, Saturday 27 June
Where Oxford Street Community Garden, 94 Oxford Street
Star Tupu-ā-nuku
Thursday 2 July
MIS Matariki Dawn Celebration
Explore the meaning of the stars of Matariki as students enjoy Waiata, a performance from the MIS Kapa Haka group, and a star-shaped cookie to take away. A celebration highlighting Hiwa-i-te-rangi.
When 6:30-9am, Thursday 2 July
Where Masterton Intermediate School, 38 Intermediate Street
Star Hiwa-i-te-rangi
Friday 3 July
Solway School Matariki Breakfast
The Solway School community will come together to reflect, remember, and look forward to the future with hope. The star Pōhutukawa encourages reflection and remembrance with empathy, acknowledging those that have passed.
When 6-7:30am, Friday 3 July
Where Solway Primary School, 318 Ngaumutawa Road
Star Pōhutukawa
Tuesday 7 and Thursday 9 July
Matariki Lantern Making for Kids
Make your own paper lantern and decorate it with the star Tupu-ā-rangi. Register at Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History. $40 per person. Limited spaces.
When 1-3pm, Tuesday 7 and Thursay 9 July
Where Aratoi, 12 Bruce Street
Star Tupu-ā-rangi
Wednesday 8 to Friday 10 July
Print 2 Matariki Workshops
Celebrate Matariki using the visual art of printmaking. Participants will produce prints on paper to treasure as artwork or on textiles to make flags. Limited spaces per session. Register at: optiv101@gmail.com
When10am-4pm, Wednesday 8 - Friday 10 July
Where Hau Kainga, 15 Queen Street
Star Matariki
Thursday 9 July
Matariki Yoga, Sauna and Firepit Under the Stars
Your chance to experience yoga with a difference as Marg encourages the use of kupu and whanaungatanga around the star Matariki, followed by access to a relaxing sauna (Wairarapa Sauna Co.) and kai around the firepit. Limited spaces. $10 per person. Register at: margpatete@gmail.com
When 4:30-7:30pm, Thursday 9 July
Where Te Rangi Lodge, 490 Bluff Rangitumau Road
Star Matariki
Saturday 11 July
Matariki Movie Matinee: War Stories Our Mothers Never Told Us (1995)
Enjoy some kai at Café Strada followed by a film at Regent 3 Cinemas. This landmark Aotearoa documentary gives voice to stories that were often unspoken. Reflecting the Matariki star Pōhutukawa, it offers a space for remembrance, reflection and connection. Includes a post-screening kōrero with Dame Gaylene Preston.
Bookings recommended via Humanitix or cash door sales, subject to availability.
$15 movie only | $25 movie + meal.
When 11:30am - 1:45pm Saturday 11 July
Where Kai 11.30am at Café Strada, Film 12.15pm at Regent 3 Cinemas
Star Pōhutukawa
Sunday 12 July
Matariki re-forestation in The Crossing
The community of The Crossing will celebrate the star Tupu-ā-nuku as they plant native plants to help keep the Waipokaka waterway vibrant and restore the whenua beside the waterway in The Crossing. Limited spaces.
When 10am - 12 noon, Sunday 12 July
Where The Crossing, Essex and Cole Streets
Star Tupu-ā-nuku
Sunday 12 July
Riversdale Beach Matariki Kite Flying
Enjoy a korero from local iwi, waiata, plus kai and kite flying as Riversdale Beach celebrates the stars Matariki, Waitā and Ururangi. First 40 families receive a kite.
When 10am-12 noon Friday 10 July
Where Karaka Reserve, Riversdale Beach
Star Matariki, Waitā and Ururangi
