In the spirit of Matariki, our district is honouring the Maaori New Year with a range of events for the whole whaanau to enjoy!
Te Kauwhata and Meremere
Te Kauwhata and Meremere are hosting several community events over the school holidays.
On Wednesday 26 June from 4pm - 7pm head along to Te Kauwhata College for an evening of entertainment, dance, drama, plays, kapa haka, kai, activities, raffles and promotions.
The Te Kauwhata library is additionally hosting numerous craft days to celebrate Matariki.
- On Saturday 6 July from 11am create Matariki themed artwork from Rakau sticks.
- On Monday 8 July from 11am design your very own Matariki themed bookmarks.
- On Saturday 13 July at 11am don’t miss the chance to make special Matariki stars.
- On Monday 15 July from 11am construct dazzling Matariki themed pastel lights.
Meremere library is joining in on the action with a Matariki star crafts morning on Monday 15 July at 10.30am.
Whaaingaroa
Matariki celebrations in Whaaingaroa are kicking off on June 26 at 11am with a shared kai at the library.
Community celebrations will continue over the weekend of June 29 and 30 in the Whaaingaroa Town Hall. On Saturday there will be activities, music, crafts, weaving and workshops with a shared hangi. Sunday will be dedicated to Te Tiriti with a mini exhibition, screen printing and koorero about the origins of the treaty.
If you’re a movie buff, you’ll love Matariki ki Whaaingaroa, a programme of film, art and koorero which celebrates the power of indigenous knowledge. Running from June 28 until July 7 at the Raglan Old School Arts Centre, there will be selection of films, a multi-medium art exhibition, and inspirational speeches.
Huntly
Celebrate Matariki with the Huntly community by taking part in a traditional Hautapu at Hakanoa Lake (Domain side) on Friday 21 June at 5am and enjoy a community breakfast as you welcome in the Maaori New Year.
And what better way to wrap up celebrations in Huntly than with a kanikani? Head along to dance with the (Matariki) stars at the Huntly RSA on Friday 28 June at 6pm.
Pookeno
Matariki Waikato is celebrating the Maaori New Year with the Pookeno community on June 28 from 10am - 2pm. Experience the Matariki art corner, DIY packs, and a wheurangitia wall whilst enjoying warm and cold refreshments, a hangi, food and raffle prizes.
Ngaaruawaahia
Join Matariki Waikato on July 4 from 6.30pm - 8.30pm at 18 Herschel Street Ngaaruawaahia, for the Tiaho Mai showcase. Displaying the rich narratives of the nine Matariki stars through traditional, contemporary, and futuristic lenses, don’t miss this opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.
On July 27 from 5.30pm - 8pm head down to The Point to experience biking, scooting or walking under a canopy of lights along the Te Awa River Ride. Food trucks, half-way hot chocolates and entertainment are all part of the fun.
Gordonton
Head along to the iconic Woodlands Estate on July 10 and 11 from 10am - 3pm to celebrate Matariki with themed activities for the whaanau to enjoy.
With so many exciting events taking place throughout the district, there’s no way you will be able to miss the Matariki celebrations. So spread the news, gather the whaanau and make sure you head along to the events in your local area.
Head to the Waikato District Council website for more information.
