Tamaki Paenga Hira celebrates Matariki

Tamaki Paenga Hira celebrates Matariki
For immediate release

Monday 18 June 2018

The first sighting of the nine stars of Matariki marks the dawning of the Māori New Year; a time for family and friends to reflect on the past, to remember those who are no longer with us, and to prepare for the year ahead. For Tāmaki Makaurau it is a chance for all Aucklanders and its visitors to come together to share their stories and history with music, arts, food and dance. This year, the west Auckland iwi, Te Kawerau a Maki will host this year’s Matariki Festival in partnership with Auckland Council, as festivities launch on 30 June. Over three weeks Tāmaki Makaurau will celebrate Matariki with more than 100 events across the city.

Celebrate Matariki with Auckland War Memorial Museum this month, with events at the Museum and in the community.

Saturday 8 July sees Auckland Museum partner with Auckland Council for Manu Aute Kite Day at Takaparawhau (Bastion Point). Manu Aute Kite Day celebrates the rich tradition of kite flying across Tāmaki Makaurau. Watch as the skies fill with kites of all shapes and sizes, symbolically connecting heaven and earth. Auckland’s tangata whenua are invited to make their pwn creation to add to the spectacle.

Then on Thursday 12 July, we open our doors for a free evening of celebration and reflection to delight and captivate the whole family. Matariki - the Light Within is an event for you and your family to honour the traditions of Matariki - to remember, to learn, to grow and to celebrate.

The Light Within starts at 6.30pm, with families encouraged to bring a picnic and relax in the beautifully-lit Atrium, before setting out to explore our Māori and Pacific galleries enlivened through lights, music, dance, stories and hands-on activities for all ages. Along the way, visitors will be thoroughly entertained by some of Aotearoa’s most talented Māori performers.

“Matariki is an important celebration for Auckland Museum, as we open our doors as a place for us to gather, welcome and share in knowledge of our taonga and stories of Tāmaki Makaurau”, says Tumuaki - Maori Projects & Development Manager, Linnae Pohatu.

“Reaching out to more people is a key priority for the Museum as Auckland’s population continues to grow and diversify. We support the need to maintain a shared sense of belonging at this special time through relevant and inclusive events.”
Both Matariki events are free and more information can be found on aucklandmuseum.com.

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