Welcome in the Māori New Year in style as the waterfront comes alive with Matariki Ahi Kā – a whānau-friendly celebration of fire,projections, performances, and kai.

This year’s Matariki festivities begin with Mana Moana Pōneke, a series of indigenous short films projected onto a water screen in Whairepo Lagoon, running on weekend nights from 7-22 June.

Matariki Ahi Kā will light up the waterfront every night from 6pm–9pm from 19-22 June, offering a self-guided experience that journeys through Past, Present and Future zones.

Each zone will be marked with a tomokanga (entranceway) that embodies its kaupapa (purpose), guiding attendees through fire installations, large-scale projections, live performances, interactive storytelling, traditional Māori games, and kai from food trucks.

• Local talent will take to the Aroha and Takoha stages with acts including the Ngāti Pōneke Young Māori Club, Tom Knowles (reggae, roots), Rei (bilingual Urban and Electronic), Tui (soul, pop), and Awerangi (old-school jams).
• In a tribute to those who have passed since last Matariki, names submitted by the public will be projected onto a Memorial Wall on the side of Te Papa near the Solace in the Wind statue.
• Each evening of Matariki Ahi Kā, a ceremonial walk will start at 7.40pm from the Barnett Street car park.This moving procession follows the journey of the Matariki whetū (stars).
• Visitors are invited to write down names, memories, wishes, and aspirations, and place these in baskets located at the Memorial Wall and Whairepo Lagoon before 7.30pm. These will be released into a ceremonial flame following the procession, sending them to the stars above.

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“Matariki is a time to pause and reflect on the past year, celebrate our present achievements, and look forward to the future with renewed hope and aspirations. Here in Wellington, our Matariki celebrations emphasise the vital role of whānau and community in bringing us all together,” says Mayor Tory Whanau.

“We invite everyone – Wellingtonians and visitors alike – to join us in these special Matariki celebrations.”

The celebration of Matariki and Puanga, the Māori New Year, dates back over 700 years. The rising of Puanga (Rigel in Orion) and the Matariki star cluster (Pleiades) marks a time to reflect on the past, reconnect with whānau, share kai, celebrate, and look forward to the year ahead.

Other events in the region at this time include Matariki events at Council’s Community Centres, Wellington City Libraries and in the Botanic Garden ki Paekākā.

The WAITUHI Matariki flags will be on display in Frank Kitts Park from 18 June – 12 July.

This year’s WAITUHI Matariki public art series for the 8-flag poles is Te Kohinga Whētu: Collecting the Stars, by artist Reuben Paterson (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāi Tūhoe, Tūhourangi, Scottish).

The Matariki exhibition opening 7 June in the Courtenay Place Light Boxes (77-97 Courtenay Place) is Tiaki by artist Shannon Te Rangihaeata Clamp (Ngāti Toa Rangatira Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Tama). Tiaki is a manaia, a bearer who connects the worldly and spiritual realms. Tiaki acknowledges the space between and overlapping people, atua, this place, its histories, and its presence.

Event details:

Mana Moana Pōneke

7-8 June, 14-15 June, 19-22 June

6pm–9pm

Whairepo Lagoon

Free event

In the lead-up to Matariki Ahi Kā and during the long weekend, enjoy Mana Moana Pōneke, a series of indigenous short films projected on a water screen. The films this year have been curated by Israel Randell (Rarotonga, Tainui, Ngāti Kahungunu) and are guided by the wise words of Moana Jackson’s: ‘In time, like te ao marama emerging out of te pō, mourning gives way to dreaming.’

Matariki Ahi Kā

Thursday 19 June - Sunday 22 June 2025

6pm–9pm

Wellington Waterfront

Free event

Matariki Ahi Kā is an immersive self-led walking journey including fire, performances, projections, a ceremony each night to honour those who have passed away and to express hopes for the future, the Mana Moana Pōneke water screen, and kai.

Find out more on Council’s website: wellington.govt.nz/matariki

Matariki Ahi Kā and Mana Moana Pōneke are accessible. Toilets, including an accessible toilet are available. There is an unmanned drop-off point at the Te Papa main entrance.

To avoid parking frustration during this busy time, we encourage everyone to walk, bike, scoot, or use public transport. Cyclists and e-scooters, please follow diversions or walk your wheels, and pedestrians take extra care due to the changes.

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