Tāmaki Makaurau is set to shine this Matariki season as Matariki ki te Manawa returns to the city centre, transforming streets, public spaces and the waterfront into a celebration of te ao Māori through light, storytelling, art and performance.
Running from June 15 to July 21, Matariki ki te Manawa forms a key part of Auckland Council Events’ Matariki Festival 2026, bringing together mana whenua, iwi and the diverse communities of Auckland through experiences inspired by the region’s people, places and cultural narratives.
The programme embraces the spirit of Tāmaki herenga waka, herenga tangata, recognising Auckland’s long history as a gathering place for peoples from many shores. Organisers say the festival offers an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to connect with the city’s Māori heritage while celebrating Matariki, the Māori New Year.
One of the centrepieces of the programme is the return of the award-winning Tūrama light installation, which will illuminate Queen Street, civic spaces and the waterfront. The installation joins Taurima in Elliott Street and Reo Haukura in Lorne Street, creating a trail of light and storytelling that follows the ancient path of Waihorotiu, the stream that once flowed through central Auckland beneath what are now city streets.
Pou Auaha Creative Director Ataahua Papa says the programme has been carefully curated to ensure people from all backgrounds can engage with Māori stories and cultural knowledge.
Matariki ki te Manawa features a wide range of creative works including large-scale light installations, photography, sculpture and illuminated artworks created by leading Māori artists and designers including Graham Tipene, Angus Muir Design, Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole and Ataahua Papa.
Auckland Live Director Daniel Clarke says the programme offers a unique opportunity to experience Tāmaki Makaurau through a Māori lens while creating meaningful connections between people, place and culture.
The celebrations extend beyond the city centre, with partner events taking place across Karangahape Road, Britomart, the waterfront and other key locations. Organisations supporting the programme include Auckland Libraries, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, the New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland Philharmonia, Basement Theatre, Q Theatre, Commercial Bay and SkyCity.
Matariki ki te Manawa is part of the wider Matariki Festival 2026, presented by Ngāti Tamaoho in collaboration with Auckland Council Events. This year marks the third and final year of Ngāti Tamaoho serving as iwi manaaki for the regional festival.
Other highlights of the wider festival include Ngā Reo o te Rangi: Voices of the Stars at Auckland Town Hall, the national Hautapu ceremony at Takaparawhau hosted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the return of Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the closing concert Te Kora Kora ki Waihorotiu at Shed 10.
Festival organisers are encouraging people to explore the city centre, follow the illuminated trails and discover the stories woven throughout the programme, regardless of their knowledge of Matariki or te reo Māori.
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