Matariki 2026

The rising of Matariki marks the Māori New Year, a sacred time to remember, reflect and renew. It is a season to honour those who has passed, celebrate the present with whanau and community, and look ahead with hope for the year to come.

At the heart of Matariki is Pohutukawa. The star that carries our loved ones who have passed into the heavens. Pohutukawa reminds us to pause and remember those no longer with us, holding their memory close and acknowledging the enduring connections we share. Through this remembrance, we honour their lives and the legacy they leave behind.

Matariki Herenga Waka | Matariki Memorial
Info & submission form HERE

Matariki Herenga Waka Whānau Night

This year’s Matariki theme "Matariki Herenga Waka" is all about inclusion and encouraging all people to celebrate Matariki together. With that in mind join us for a fun evening as we celebrate together, let’s make this Matariki a gathering of whānau.  “Matariki herenga waka, Matariki herenga tāngata!”

Ngā mahi o te pō | What to expect:

Taonga Puoro Workshop | Te Ruma Mahutonga

We are lucky to have the amazing Tohunga Toi Whakairo Christopher Douglas-Huriwai join us to share his skills and knowledge.  Chris will guide you as you make your own taonga puoro (traditional māori instrument) piece to keep and take home.  Spots are limited for this workshop so you will need to book in.  Register here to secure your spot.  There may be spaces available on the night but no guarantees. 

For children aged 8+ and adults.

Register HERE

Remembrance tribute | Library Screens

Video messages in memory of loved ones who have passed since last Matariki.
Info & submission form HERE

Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau Waiora

Come and join Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau Waiora for some kapa haka magic.  Lead by Ally Tamihere and Coby Te Pairi Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau Waiora is a group made of up of kaimahi and whānau from different services and organisations around Te Tairāwhiti.  After being together for only three weeks they performed at this year’s regional kapa haka competition “Tamararo”.  For some of their members this was their first time performing on stage.  Nō reira nau mai, haramai, rarau mai.

Reflection | Papatipu

We will open the floor and give people a chance to share their reflections of the past year, highlights, lowlights and everything in between.

Waiata

It wouldn’t be a Matariki celebration without some waiata.  Join the library team for some Matariki waiata fun.

How to find Matariki

Screening a video created by the team at Te Papa.  This video teaches you how to use other identifiable stars in the sky to find Matariki.

Storytime for the kids

The children’s team will have a few Matariki stories on hand to read to the kids and anyone else who wants to have a listen.

Shared Kai

Join us for a shared kai to wrap the night up.  Sit, chat and share stories over a kai.

Remembrance Star making craft

Matariki is a time for remembering those who are no longer with us.  Weave a paper star to dedicate to a loved one and add it our Kupenga (net) – “Te Kupenga a Taramainuku”. 

Each evening Taramainuku casts his net upon the earth and hauls up the souls of those who have passed, gathering them in his waka “Te Waka o Rangi” taking them onwards to their journey into the heavens of Rarohenga and releasing them as Matariki sets.

Face Painting

Julia from Face Painting by Julia will be in the library glamming tamariki up with some Matariki magic.