Matariki 2025 in the Western Bay
It’s that special time of year where we come together as a nation to celebrate Matariki — the Māori New Year.
Matariki is the cluster of stars that rises in the midwinter sky, marking a time of reflection, renewal, and reconnection. Traditionally, it signalled a new season for planting, harvesting, and gathering kai.
For the past three years, Aotearoa has recognised Matariki as a national holiday — a time to honour those who have passed, celebrate the present with our whānau, and set intentions for the year ahead.
This year’s theme is ‘Matariki mā Puanga – Celebrating Together'. It’s all about inclusion, unity, and acknowledging the richness of our diverse communities.
Here in the Western Bay, there’s a range of events happening across the rohe — from scavenger hunts and storytelling to whānau-friendly community celebrations.
There’s something for everyone, so check out the events in our rohe below.
*Information is current at time sourced; details should be checked with event organisers.
Waihī Beach
Annual Dawn Viewing
Join us for a truly special morning as we celebrate Matariki with our 15th annual Matariki Dawn Viewing!
On Sunday, 29 June, at 6am, gather above the campground at Te Hō Pā, Bowentown Domain, Waipaopao | Anzac Bay.
Overlooking the stunning Pacific Ocean and around a warm campfire, you'll experience a unique blend of education and entertainment. Speakers from Te Whānau a Tauwhao hapū ki Otawhiwhi Marae, local community members, and students from Waihī Beach School will share insights and stories, offering a chance to learn more about the significance of Matariki.
This moving event includes karakia (blessings), shared kai (food), and a precious moment of stillness and gratitude. It's an opportunity to honour those who came before us, celebrate the present, and embrace the promise of the new year.
Following the dawn viewing, you're invited to a yummy, cooked breakfast at Otawhiwhi Marae, where you'll receive a warm welcome from Te Whānau a Tauwhao hapū.
Please Park in the Anzac Bay | Waipaopao car park and walk up the road to the gathering.
Don't forget to wrap up in your warm blankets to witness the beauty of Matariki and deepen your understanding of this important cultural celebration.
When: 6am, Sunday 29 June
Where: Te Hō Pā
Price: Free
Info: www.facebook.com/events/1251751343136085/
Waihī Beach Library & Service Centre
Matariki Story Time
When: 10am, Wednesday 18 June
Price: Free
Info: libraries.westernbay.govt.nz/kids-zone/matariki-2025 or Matariki 2025 - Western Bay of Plenty District Libraries
Matariki Scavenger Hunt, Colouring Contest and Take & Make activities available at all Waihī Beach Library and Service Centre from Thursday 12 June until Wednesday 18 June.
Katikati
Tatai Aorangi - The Reading of the Stars
Everyone is invited to Te Rereatukahia Marae, Thursday 19 June, at 5pm, for Matariki Reading of the Stars, Tatai Arorangi.
Together in this special place you will learn and discover more about the star cluster of Matariki through Te Ao Māori, with the sharing of knowledge and kai as we celebrate the new beginnings of the Māori New Year.
We extend a special invitation to new members of our community to join us for this enriching experience. It is a wonderful opportunity for newcomers to connect with fellow community members, immerse in the rich cultural heritage of Matariki, and celebrate the Māori New Year together.
Brought to you by Te Rūnanga o Ngai Tamawhariua, Katch Katikati, Katikati Community Centre, Project Parore, Western Bay Museum and Te Rereatukahia Marae.
When: 5pm, Thursday 19 June
Where: Te Rereatukahia Marae, Katikati
Price: Free
Info:www.westernbay.govt.nz/community/events/event-cale...
Matariki Dawn Viewing
Join the Matariki Dawn Service in Katikati where you’ll be treated to kōrero on how to identify the Matariki cluster.
Discover Matariki narrated by Mātanga Whetu, star experts. A time of reflection, setting new goals and celebrating new beginnings for the Māori New Year with karakia, kai and community.
Free Park and Ride from Katikati Primary School, 5am onwards.
Brought to you by Te Rūnanga o Ngai Tamawhariua, Katch Katikati, Katikati Community Centre, Project Parore, and Western Bay Museum and Te Rereatukahia Marae.
When: 5.30am, Friday 20 June
Where: Park Road Reserve, Katikati
Price: Free
Matariki Ahunga Nui (Matariki, the Great Gatherer)
Join us in celebrating the rising of Matariki with an exhibition of breathtaking Toi Māori, created by the friends and tauira of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Matariki Ahunga Nui honours the star that draws people together—through creativity, reflection, and connection.
This exhibition brings together a diverse collection of Māori artworks, spanning traditional practices such as raranga and whakairo, to contemporary forms including painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Each piece is a unique expression of whakapapa, identity, and wairua, woven with aroha and intention.
We acknowledge Matariki not only as a celestial marker, but as a symbol of healing, sustenance, and renewal - embodied through her children: Pōhutukawa, Hiwaiterangi, Ururangi, Waipunarangi, Tupuārangi, Tupuānuku, Waitī, and Waitā. Their stories are reflected in the artworks, reminding us of our deep connection to the natural world and each other.
In the spirit of Matariki, we gather to remember those who have passed, to celebrate the abundance of the present, and to plant the seeds of aspiration for the year ahead. This exhibition is a celebration of the enduring power of Toi Māori and the artists who continue to keep our culture vibrant and alive.
We warmly invite you to experience the beauty, depth, and richness of Māori art, and to honour the mātauranga, creativity, and collective spirit that have brought this exhibition to life.
Ngā mihi nunui ki ngā ringatoi, ngā kaiako, me ngā kaitautoko katoa i whai wāhi mai.
When: 26 October to 23 November 2025 (Note: The date has changed, due to current works being done on the Katikati Arts Junction building)
Where: The Carlton Gallery, 36a Main Road, Katikati
Price: Free
Katikati Library & Service Centre
Matariki Story Time
When: 10am, Thursday 19 June
Price: Free
Info: libraries.westernbay.govt.nz/kids-zone/matariki-2025 or Matariki 2025 - Western Bay of Plenty District Libraries
Matariki Scavenger Hunt, Colouring Contest and Take & Make activities available at all Western Bay libraries from Thursday 12 June until Thursday 19 June.
matARiki Sculpture Trail 2025
Embark on a celestial journey, guided by the star Waipuna-ā-rangi.
This augmented reality exhibition, from Te Tuhi Māreikira Trust, invites you to explore the depths of Māori cosmology and contemporary digital Māori art. Witness the transformative power of technology as renowned Māori artists bring their visionary creations to life. Immerse yourself in stunning digital sculptures that intertwine ancient traditions with cutting-edge innovation. Discover the profound significance of Waipuna-ā-rangi, the celestial source of fresh water. This star, often associated with new life and renewal, inspires artists to delve into themes of identity, heritage, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
When: Monday, 9 to 23 June 2025 (10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, weekends and public holidays 11am to 3pm)
Where: Western Bay Museum forecourt, 32 Main Road, Katikati (also Mount Maunganui & Tauranga CBD)
Price: Free
Info:www.instagram.com/matarikisculpturetrail/ OR
matARiki Sculpture Trail 2025 | Matariki Te Tauranga~ OR www.facebook.com/katikatiopenairart
Ōmokoroa
Ōmokoroa Library & Service Centre
Matariki Story Time
When: 10am, Friday 13 June
Price: Free
Info: libraries.westernbay.govt.nz/kids-zone/matariki-2025 OR Matariki 2025 - Western Bay of Plenty District Libraries
Matariki Scavenger Hunt, Colouring Contest and Take & Make activities available at all Western Bay libraries from Thursday 12 June until Thursday 19 June.
Welcome Bay
Te Ara a Matariki Light Trail
The Matariki-themed trail is decorated throughout with nature-themed creations, with lights for full night-time effect. This Event is ALCOHOL-FREE - DRUG-FREE - SMOKE-FREE - VAPE-FREE.
Use your imagination and dress in Matariki-theme lit-up, glow in the dark clothing if you wish 😊. Dress for the cold weather and wear non-slip footwear for a drama-free experience!
This event is kindly supported by the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund.
When: Saturday 21, and Sunday 22 June, 6pm to 9pm
Where: Ngāpeke Permaculture, Kaiwha Road, Welcome Bay
Price: Free
Info:Te Ara a Matariki Light Trail
Te Puke
Te Kete Matariki
An annual community event celebrating the Māori New Year, proudly partnering with tangata whenua and the hapori of Te Puke. Presented by Hemasphere Ltd, Made in Te Puke. Mānawatia a Matariki!
When: 10am - 4pm, Friday 20 June
Where: Jubilee Park, Te Puke
Price: Free
Info:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071063601333
Te Puke Library & Service Centre
Matariki Story Time
When: 10am, Thursday 12 June
Price: Free
Info: libraries.westernbay.govt.nz/kids-zone/matariki-2025 or Matariki 2025 - Western Bay of Plenty District Libraries
Matariki Scavenger Hunt, Colouring Contest and Take & Make activities available at all Western Bay libraries from Thursday 12 June until Thursday 19 June.
