Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum is inviting whānau to celebrate Matariki with a vibrant programme of free performances, storytelling, cultural learning and hands-on activities that honour te Mātahi o te Tau, the Māori New Year.
Running throughout July, the programme celebrates Matariki as a time to reflect on the past, remember loved ones, gather with whānau and look ahead with hope for the future. The events bring together leading Māori artists, authors, educators and performers to create experiences that connect tamariki and their families with mātauranga Māori and the natural world.
One of the highlights is the launch of acclaimed author Witi Ihimaera’s latest book, Ariā and the Monster Island / Ariā me te Motu Pouākai, the third and final instalment of The Astromancer series.
Whānau will have the opportunity to hear Ihimaera read from the new pukapuka during two free storytelling sessions before meeting the celebrated author at a book signing. The bilingual release explores the rich traditions of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa through stories of atua, tūpuna and legendary creatures, encouraging young readers to deepen their understanding of Māori and Pacific storytelling traditions.
The programme also explores the deeper meaning of Matariki through an evening presentation focused on Pōhutukawa, one of the most significant stars within the Matariki cluster.
Talena Hansen, Head of Education at Auckland Museum, will examine the role Pōhutukawa plays in connecting people with their tīpuna and explore how traditional Māori values continue to shape the way Matariki is understood and celebrated today.
For tamariki, the museum has partnered with the New Zealand Dance Company to present Matariki for Tamariki, a free dance performance celebrating friendship, renewal and the changing seasons.
Created by acclaimed choreographer Sean MacDonald (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa), the production follows a group of friends travelling throughout Aotearoa during Matariki, discovering ngahere, maunga and moana while celebrating the connections between people, place and te taiao.
Designed specifically for families, the performances combine storytelling, movement and music to introduce young audiences to the significance of Matariki in an engaging and accessible way.
Young learners can also take part in the Mini Members’ Event: Growing, Sharing, Shining with Matariki, where tamariki will explore the meanings behind each of the Matariki stars through waiata, interactive activities and museum objects connected to the natural world.
The session encourages children to understand how the stars guide reflection, remembrance, celebration and planning for the year ahead while strengthening their connection to te ao Māori.
Adding to the celebrations, Auckland Museum itself will become part of the Matariki experience when the historic building is illuminated in orange from 8 to 11 July, symbolising the rising sun and the beginning of a new year.
Museum organisers say the programme reflects the growing importance of Matariki as a national celebration, offering opportunities for people of all backgrounds to learn about Māori knowledge, history and cultural traditions.
With most events free to attend, the museum hopes families from across Tāmaki Makaurau will come together to celebrate one of the most significant occasions in the Māori calendar through storytelling, performance, education and shared experiences.
More information and booking details are available at aucklandmuseum.com.
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