One of Auckland’s most iconic streets is set to become a vibrant celebration of Matariki as Te Karanga-a-Hape returns with an evening of music, storytelling, art, kai and community connection beneath the winter stars.
On Thursday 9 July, a section of Karangahape Road will close to traffic and transform into a welcoming public gathering space as thousands of people are invited to celebrate the Māori New Year through a unique programme of performances, installations and cultural experiences.
Running from 5pm until 10pm, the free all-ages event will bring together some of Aotearoa’s leading musicians, artists and storytellers in a celebration that reflects the themes of remembrance, renewal, aspiration and connection at the heart of Matariki.
For one special evening, Karangahape Road will be transformed from a busy urban thoroughfare into a space designed for gathering, reflection and celebration.
At the centre of the event will be a circular stage rising from the famous rainbow crossing outside St Kevin’s Arcade. Surrounding the stage will be communal tables, fire pits, crafting spaces and areas where whānau and friends can come together to share in the spirit of Matariki.
The evening begins with a mihi whakatau led by Kaumātua Adrian Noda, setting the tone for a celebration grounded in tikanga, community and connection.
Audiences will also experience kapa haka performances from the Auckland Anglican Māori Club and spoken word contributions from Rehekōrero, helping guide attendees into an evening of storytelling and cultural expression.
Music will play a major role throughout the celebrations, with acclaimed artists taking to the stage throughout the evening.
Award-winning vocalist Ladi6 headlines a programme that also features performances from Halfqueen, Mā performing with a full band, Noa Records artists and other special guests.
Bringing humour and warmth to the festivities will be comedian and host Janaye Henry, whose unique style blends comedy, observation and contemporary Aotearoa storytelling.
Organisers say the line-up has been carefully curated to reflect the diversity, creativity and energy of Tāmaki Makaurau.
One of the most striking features of Te Karanga-a-Hape will be a series of large-scale Matariki-inspired art installations stretching along Karangahape Road.
Created by artist and Creative Director Nayesha Waiti-Mulholland, the installations transform the street into a living Matariki trail that invites visitors to explore the stories carried by the stars.
Each installation connects to a specific whetū within the Matariki cluster and reflects themes associated with remembrance, water, food, wellbeing and aspirations for the future.
Among the highlights is a glowing Pōhutukawa installation in Myers Park dedicated to remembering loved ones who have passed.
Mercury Lane will feature a dramatic 20-metre textile waterfall honouring Waitī, Waitā and the historic waterways of Te Waihorotiu.
Near the main stage, visitors will discover a giant woven nest inspired by Tupuārangi, while an interactive installation dedicated to Hiwa-i-te-Rangi will invite attendees to share their hopes and dreams for the coming year.
Adding another powerful artistic element to the event is the Nuku Collection by artist Qiane Matata-Sipu.
Installed in Beresford Square, the acclaimed series of illuminated lightboxes celebrates the strength, presence and enduring mana of wāhine Māori.
The collection has received national recognition for its ability to tell stories of resilience, identity and cultural pride through contemporary visual art.
Its inclusion in Te Karanga-a-Hape further reinforces the event’s commitment to showcasing Māori creativity and storytelling in diverse forms.
More Than a Festival
While music and art are central to the celebrations, organisers say Te Karanga-a-Hape is ultimately about connection.
Matariki encourages people to pause, remember those who have passed, celebrate the present and look ahead to the future. The event aims to create opportunities for people to connect with te taiao, with their communities and with themselves.
The gathering reflects the broader significance of Matariki as a time of renewal, gratitude and collective reflection.
As winter settles across Tāmaki Makaurau, the event offers a chance for people of all backgrounds to come together around shared stories, experiences and aspirations.
Event Details
Te Karanga-a-Hape
📅 Thursday 9 July 2026
🕔 5pm – 10pm
📍 Karangahape Road, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
🎟️ Free and open to all ages
Highlights Include:
• Karangahape Road transformed into a pedestrian-friendly celebration space
• Performances from Ladi6, Halfqueen, Mā and Noa Records artists
• Hosted by comedian Janaye Henry
• Kapa haka, spoken word and storytelling
• Large-scale Matariki-inspired art installations
• Fire pits and community gathering spaces
• Interactive crafting and art experiences
• Official afterparty at Double Whammy, Public Bar and Whammy
For organisers, the invitation is simple: gather with whānau, embrace the warmth of community and celebrate Matariki beneath the stars in the heart of Auckland.
