Matariki 2026 is embracing the theme Matariki Herenga Waka – For Everyone, a powerful call for unity, inclusion and shared celebration as communities across Aotearoa gather to mark the Māori New Year.
The theme draws on the meaning of Herenga Waka, a place where many canoes are moored together. For Matariki, it represents people from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences coming together to celebrate a shared future while honouring the traditions that connect them.
Organisers say the message is simple – Matariki belongs to everyone. Whether through large public events, whānau gatherings or personal reflection, all New Zealanders are encouraged to engage with the values and stories of the season.
At the heart of Matariki remain three guiding principles. Matariki Hunga Nui focuses on remembering loved ones who have passed since the previous rising of the stars. Matariki Ahunga Nui encourages gratitude and celebration of the present, while Matariki Manako Nui looks ahead with hope and aspiration for the year to come.
Tāmaki Makaurau is once again hosting some of the country’s largest Matariki celebrations, reflecting its identity as a diverse city where many cultures and communities converge.
A major highlight is the National Hautapu Ceremony at Takaparawhau, hosted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. The ceremony honours traditional practices of offering gratitude to the stars and the environment through karakia and the sharing of kai. Thousands are expected to attend, creating a powerful moment of reflection and connection.
Key Event Details – National Hautapu Ceremony
- Location: Takaparawhau (Bastion Point), Auckland
Date: 10 July 2026
Time: Briefing from 5:30am, with the official Hautapu ceremony beginning at 6:00am and concluding around 7:00am. A free community breakfast will follow.
What to bring: Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and prepare for winter conditions. Organisers recommend wearing gumboots, multiple layers of clothing, rain gear such as an umbrella, and bringing camp chairs or blankets for seating.
Across Auckland, the wider Matariki Festival features a packed programme of cultural events, performances, exhibitions and community gatherings.
Matariki ki te Manawa, delivered by Ngāti Tamaoho in partnership with Auckland Council, will bring events to Karangahape Road, Britomart, Commercial Bay and the waterfront throughout the month.
Visitors will also be able to explore illuminated trails and large-scale light installations across the city, including the return of Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
The arts remain a major focus of this year’s programme, with exhibitions, storytelling, music and performances showcasing both traditional and contemporary Māori creativity. Venues across the city will host events celebrating whakapapa, mātauranga Māori and the enduring connection between people, stars and whenua.
Festival organisers say Matariki Herenga Waka is an opportunity for people to step away from the pressures of everyday life, reconnect with whānau and community, and strengthen their relationship with te taiao.
As the stars of Matariki rise once more, Auckland’s month-long celebration aims to demonstrate how a shared understanding of the past, present and future can bring people together across cultures and generations.
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