Matariki celebrations light up the Western Bay
From hot chocolates and hāngī, to storytelling, stargazing and the launch of a newly built waka tētē, as Matariki dawns across the Western Bay, communities are invited to come together to celebrate.
On Thursday 9 July, a dawn viewing will take place at Waihī Beach, in front of the Coastguard building in Bowentown, with speakers from Te Whānau a Tauwhao hapū ki Otawhiwhi Marae, local community members and students from Waihī Beach School sharing insights and stories, followed by kai.
On the same morning, a fireside Hautapu ceremony will be held on Matakana Island, at Te Uretureture, at 5.30am, followed by a parakuihi ā-hāpori (community breakfast) at Oruarahi.
At Katikati, on Friday 10 July, a free hot chocolate, hāngī or fry bread burger breakfast will be offered following a 6am ceremony at Te Whare o Rahi, Park Road Reserve, to honour Ururangi the whetū (star) representing the ‘winds of the sky’.
At the eastern end of the District, this year festivities, will be led by Ngāti Kurī, of Tapuika iwi, at Te Matai Pā in Maketū.
Manuhiri (visitors) are invited to ‘Waka tētē ki Kaituna Awa’, at 7.30am on Friday 10 July, where a newly built waka tētē will be launched at Ford Road, acknowledging the deep relationship between Ngāti Kurī and Kaituna Awa.
A pōhiri and kai will follow at Te Matai Pā, recognising the waka tētē launch as a significant blessing and achievement for Ngāti Kurī.
Te Kete Matariki - Te Puke, an annual Matariki event held in partnership with tangata whenua and the Te Puke hapori (community) will return in 2027 after taking a break this year.
Matariki-themed crafts, movies, scavenger hunts and colouring competitions will also be held across Western Bay’s four libraries, in Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa and Te Puke, during the school holidays.
“Matariki provides an opportunity for communities across the Western Bay to come together in reflection and celebration. These events recognise the importance of connection, storytelling and shared experience at this special time of year,” says Western Bay Mayor James Denyer.
“It’s great to see so many events taking place across our District, bringing people together while creating opportunities to learn more about the traditions and meaning of Matariki.”
Matariki events in the Western Bay 2026
Waihī Beach
Celebrate Matariki at Our 16th Annual Dawn Viewing!
Join us for a truly special morning as we celebrate Matariki, the Māori New Year, with our 16th annual Matariki Dawn Viewing!
On Thursday, 9 July, at 6am, gather in front of the Waihī Beach Coastguard building (located at 511 Seaforth Rd) to celebrate Matariki as a community. 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.
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: Thursday 9 July – arrive at 5.45am for a 6.00am start
Where: Waihi Beach Coastguard Reserve – 511 Seaforth Road, Bowentown
Price: Free
Info: Matariki Dawn Viewing & Breakfast - Waihī Beach | Facebook
Te Ara Mātauranga - Waihī Beach Library and Community Hub
7 July 10am – 12pm - Stardust Craft Session
8 July 10am – 11.30am - Movie Time
9 July 10am – 12pm – Twinkle Twinkle Craft Session
13 July 10am – 12pm – Shooting Stars Craft Session
15 July 10am – 11.30am - Movie Time
17 July 10am - 12pm – Shining Stars Craft Session
Info: JULY 2026 MATARIKI - Calendar
Matariki Scavenger Hunt, Colouring Contest and Take & Make activities available at all Western Bay libraries from Monday 6 July until Friday 17 July.
Matakana Island
Matariki Hautapu o Te Moutere o Matakana
Hauora, kura, rangatahi, Nga Ia Taiheke and Te Paringa Tai have come together to welcome Te Matahi o te tau with a Hautapu and community breakfast.
We gather at Te Uretureture on Thursday 9 July at 5.30am for the Hautapu ceremony, where we will send our wishes up to Hiwaiterangi and release the things that hold us back. Write your wishes on one side of the paper and what you want to let go of on the other — both will be placed into the fire together. Pens and paper will be provided, or you can prepare yours at home. Seating is available at the Hautapu for kaumātua, who will be driven from the carpark right up to the fire. Please dress warm. Following the Hautapu, join us for a parakuihi ā-hāpori at Oruarahi.
This event is proudly supported by Tauranga City Council, TECT, BayTrust, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, and Acorn Foundation.
When: Thursday 9 July – 5.30am
Where: Te Uretureure Pā then onto Te Kutaroa Marae
Price: Free
Info: Te Awanui Hauora
Katikati
Matariki Dawn Viewing
Te Whare o Rahi, Park Road Reserve, Katikati. Honouring Ururangi the whetū/star representing 'the winds of the sky' - connected to the weather god Tāwhirimātea.
A time for community to come together to celebrate Matariki. Setting new goals, remembering those who have passed and the sharing of kai.
Enjoy a free hot chocolate, hangi or fry bread burger breakfast after the dawn ceremony.
All are welcome. Nau mai, haere mai!
When: Friday 10 July 6am
Where: Park Road Reserve, Katikati
Price: Free
Info: Matariki Katikati 2026 | Facebook
Katikati Library and Service Centre
6 July 10am – 12pm – Shooting Stars Craft Session
7 July 10am – 11.30am - Movie Time
9 July 10am – 12pm – Stardust Craft Session
13 July 10am – 12pm – Twinkle Twinkle Craft Session
14 July 10am – 11.30am - Movie Time
16 July 10am - 12pm – Shining Stars Craft Session
Info: JULY 2026 MATARIKI - Calendar
Matariki Scavenger Hunt, Colouring Contest and Take & Make activities available at all Western Bay libraries from Monday 6th July until Friday 17th July.
Ōmokoroa
Ōmokoroa Library and Service Centre
6 July 10am – 12pm – Shining Stars Craft Session
8 July 10am – 12pm – Twinkle Twinkle Craft Session
9 July 10am – 11.30am - Movie Time
14 July 10am - 12pm – Stardust Craft Session
15 July 10am - 12pm – Shooting Stars Craft Session
16 July 10am - 11.30am - Movie Time
Info: JULY 2026 MATARIKI - Calendar
Matariki Scavenger Hunt, Colouring Contest and Take & Make activities available at all Western Bay libraries from Monday 6 July until Friday 17 July.
Te Puke
Matariki me Waka tētē
Hosted annually by different hapū of Tapuika Iwi, this year’s event is being led by Ngāti Kurī at Te Matai Pā. It brings together marae, hapū, whānau, and manuhiri to honour culture, beliefs, traditions, whakapapa, whanaungatanga, and manaakitanga, while strengthening connections and enhancing mana across the people.
Manuhiri are invited to Waka tētē ki Kaituna Awa, where the newly built waka tētē for Ngāti Kurī will be launched, acknowledging the deep relationship between Ngāti Kurī and Kaituna Awa. All are welcome to join in the launch of the waka tētē for Ngāti Kurī at Ford Road, Maketu.
The event concludes with a pōhiri at Te Matai Pā, recognising the waka tētē launch as a significant blessing and achievement for Ngāti Kurī. Manuhiri will be welcomed onto the marae, supported by volunteers where needed, and kai will be shared to whakanoa before health and safety information and the agenda are provided.
Please NOTE: For catering purposes an RSVP will be required by 3 July 2026. Please contact organising committee on 021 08659049.
When: Friday 10 July, 7.30am
Where: Ford Road, Maketu
Price: Free
Info: https://www.westernbay.govt.nz/community/events/event-calendar
Te Puke Library and Service Centre
6 July 10.30am – 12pm – Tirama Tirama Craft Session
7 July 10am – 12pm – Lego Set Building
8 July 5.30pm - Special Evening Event – Matariki Story time with Te Whetu
9 July 1.30pm - 3.30pm - Movie Time
14 July 10.30am - 12pm – Moon & Stars Craft Session
15 July 10.30am - 12pm – Lego Challenge
17 July 1.30pm - 3.00pm - Starbright Craft Session
Info: JULY 2026 MATARIKI - Calendar_Te Puke
Matariki Scavenger Hunt, Colouring Contest and Take & Make activities available at all Western Bay libraries from Monday 6 July until Friday 17 July.
*Information is current at the time sourced; details should be checked with event organisers.
