Kia ora koutou. The Māori New Year has always been celebrated with the rise of the star cluster Matariki. It marks the beginning of the Aotearoa/Pacific New Year according to the lunar calendar. In 2022, the stars set on 23 Haratua / May, and rise 21 to 24 Piripi / June. The public holiday of Matariki is on Friday 24 June this year.
Listen to Justice, Mangaia, and Maatakiwi talk about Matariki 2022.
Here's what's on at libraries, and around Ōtautahi.
Matariki at Christchurch City Libraries
Matariki Ngā Pakiwaitara - Matariki Bilingual Storytimes
Tuesday 7, 14, 21, and 28 June; 10.30 to 11am
Tūranga
Come along and listen to children's bilingual storytimes. Nau mai, tauti mai. Ngā Pakiwaitara - Bilingual Storytimes is an interactive programme including stories and cool Māori waiata/songs. This bilingual storytimes runs every Tuesday from 10.30am to 11am.
Wāhi Whānau | Family Place, Hapori | Community, Level 1
Free, no bookings required
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Matariki Wā Kōrero-Storytimes
Various libraries and times
Celebrate Matariki with Christchurch City Libraries! Meet others in our community when you and your preschooler join us for a fun variety of Matariki-themed stories, songs and rhymes which foster children’s literacy while celebrating our Māori New Year. All whānau and caregivers welcome.
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Matariki Wā Kōrero-Storytimes at Northlands (Tuesday 21 and Thursday 23 June)
Northlands Shopping Centre
Come and celebrate Matariki with Whaea Justice of Māori Library Services from the Christchurch City Libraries at Northlands Mall. Join us for a variety of fun Bilingual Matariki-themed stories and songs celebrating our Māori New Year.
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Matariki Afterschool Activity Zone
Various libraries and times
Mānawatia a Matariki! Celebrate Matariki with us! In recognition of Ururangi, we're making small replicas of different manu tukutuku - traditional Māori kites, using modern materials. Fun and learning for all ages. Nau mai, tauti mai. Free - drop in session.
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Matariki Takiura, Matariki Wānaka – Whānau Day
Saturday 18 June 10am to 2.30pm
Tūranga
Explore the traditions and importance of Matariki. This fun family day has something for everyone featuring story times with Loopy Tunes and waiata | songs with Whaea Juddy - craft, games and activities. This year a new Rangatahi/Youth Tech session – Hangarau Taiohi is happening from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, with members of YCD, our Youth Librarians and DJ Danny-ill. Free, all welcome. Nau mai, tauti mai.
*Please note: face masks are required in all library spaces.
Matariki Hauora - Focus on Wellbeing
Saturday 2 July 1pm to 4pm
He Hononga | Connection, Ground Floor & TSB Space, Hapori | Community, Level 1, Tūranga
Watch a thrilling demonstration from taiaha exponents, relax during a tai-chi session or get the latest about health and nutrition at “Focus on Wellbeing” on a key day for the celebration of Matariki. Free, all welcome.
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Matariki in Ōtautahi
Search the Christchurch City Council What's On for Matariki events, including:
Rehua Marae Matariki Whānau Day
Saturday 25 June 11am to 2pm
Springfield Road, St Albans
Bring the whānau along for a fun filled day of craft stalls, workshops, food stalls, hangi, and kapa haka. Our Māori Library Services team will be there too with Matariki stories, waiata/songs, craft and fun. Free, all welcome. Nau mai, tauti mai.
*Please note: face masks are required in all public spaces.
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Matariki at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre
7 June to 6 July
Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre invites you to celebrate Matariki 2022 as they partner with some amazing local artists and showcase ngā toi (the arts) through the nine bright whetū (stars) of Matariki. Ōtautahi is home to talented Māori artists who shine through every creative practice within our communities. Gather your whānau and friends, and join our Matariki celebrations featuring a Kapa Haka Showcase, The Lion King Reo Māori movie, Ad Parnassum – Purapurawhetū dance film, Hiwa-i-te-Rangi exhibition, Pōhutakawa - a sound and movement experience, th'Orchard Dreamers - Chapter 2 and much more.
Matariki in the Zone
20 June to 30 June
Richmond Community Garden
Come down to Avebury House and the Richmond Community Garden, to trace the path of the Matariki star cluster in the red zone. As night falls the ‘star stations’ will light up creating a star path you can follow after sundown! An approximately 700m circuit in the community garden area, it will encompass nine stars of the cluster, with a little of their stories.
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Tīrama Mai
24 June to 3 July
Cathedral Square and surrounding areas
Tīrama Mai, meaning to illuminate or bring light, celebrates Matariki, our people and our unique local landscape. Christchurch’s Cathedral Square and surrounding areas will be transformed with a series of innovative lighting installations, projections and illuminated artworks created by some of Canterbury's best lighting artists and creative minds. Tīrama Mai is proudly produced by Christchurch City Council.
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