Celebrate Matariki With 'Matariki Mā Puanga' Live From Ohakune

LIVE from Tirorangi Marae in Ohakune on Friday June 20, as they lead a powerful celebration of one of Aotearoa’s most significant cultural holidays - Matariki.

Now in its fourth year, the prestigious LIVE broadcast is embraced and celebrated across multiple networks and media outlets across Aotearoa. This year, Matariki mā Puanga (previously broadcast with the title Mānawatia a Matariki) begins at 5.45am with the traditional hautapu ceremony, honouring ancient customs and ushering in the Māori New Year.

This year's theme recognises the sacred relationship between the stars Matariki (Pleiades) and Puanga (Rigel), both of which rise in Aotearoa’s eastern sky before dawn during the winter season.

As Professor Rangiānehu (Rangi) Mātāmua (Tūhoe) ONZM explains:

“Some iwi and regions look to Puanga rather than Matariki as the primary marker of the New Year. This year, we’re broadcasting from Ohakune, in the shadow of Ruapehu, and for the iwi of Ngāti Rangi, Puanga holds special significance. It felt right to acknowledge that in the title of this year’s broadcast.

Matariki mā Puanga is a reminder that despite our diverse origins and practices, this celebration brings us together—to reflect, to renew, and to celebrate what unites us.”

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Over more than three hours, the broadcast will help New Zealanders understand the cultural history and importance of Matariki, and weave together stories of remembrance, renewal, and joy. There will be regional reports from Wairoa to Tāmaki Makaurau, and beyond, and a very special LIVE Kapa Haka performance Te Kura Nui o Paerangi at Tirorangi.

Adding youthful energy and insight is te reo champion and social media star Te Aorere Pewhairangi (Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau a Ruataupare), reporting from the field.

Audiences will be uplifted by powerful musical performances from across the motu, including:

• MOHI (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa) – award-winning neo-soul singer-songwriter.
• The iconic Te Reo o Te Arepa Ratana Morehu Silver Band (RMSB) (Te iwi Morehu).
• Seth Haapu (Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Rangi, Ngāti Porou) – acclaimed Pacific soul artist and musical collaborator who has worked with some of New Zealand’s most beloved musical acts including Stan Walker, Tami Neilson, Maisey Rika, Sons of Zion, TEEKS and more!
• Dynamic emerging artist AJA (Ngāti Raukawa, Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Porou).

Matariki mā Puanga is more than a broadcast—it’s a heartfelt invitation for all of Aotearoa to embrace our stories, honour our traditions, and create new ones together.

Join the celebration on Friday 20 June, from 5.45am on Whakaata Māori TVNZ 1, TVNZ+, Sky Open, PasifikaTV, Stuff, matariki.net.nz, RNZ and Iwi radio.

Matariki mā Puanga is produced by Kahawai Productions and made with support from Te Māngai Pāho and NZ On Air.

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