Join us as we come together to honour the rising of Puanga and welcome the beginning of the Puanga Matariki Festival for the Whangārei District. Monday, 15 June 2026 | 06:30 AM to 08:30 AM Te Iwitahi (civic centre), 9 Rust Avenue, Whangārei This is a time for remembrance, reflection, and renewal, as we gather […]
Celebrate the Māori New Year with a month-long programme of creativity, culture, and community at the Town Basin. From 15 June to 17 July 2026, join us in honouring the past, celebrating the present, and looking to the future through art, education, and connection. Enjoy exhibitions, interactive activities, and a Matariki colouring competition for all […]
Puanga on a Plate is a vibrant food festival celebrating Puanga Matariki with a delicious twist. Local eateries showcase their creativity by crafting dishes that resonate with the Puanga Matariki themes of: Remembrance – Honouring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki. Celebrating the present – Gathering together to give thanks for what we […]
Lighting up Lover's Lane every night of the festival! Discover the Puanga Matariki constellation of whetū, created by the community and projected onto the exterior wall of the Whangārei Central Library on Lovers Lane, Te Ara Hīkoi ki Kauika, Rust Avenue. Selected designs from the Whakamānawa – Design a Whetū (Star) project will be shining […]
Join us for two inspiring drop-in art workshops this Matariki. Step into a relaxed, welcoming space where you can explore your creativity, reflect on what's meaningful, and connect with others in your community. Whether you're honouring memories of the past or dreaming about the future, these workshops offer a chance to express your story through […]
This free community event honours loved ones who have passed since the last rising of Matariki star cluster, signaling the Māori New Year. Whānau are welcome to send pictures of their loved ones to be included in the presentation, which will also be available on our Facebook page to view anytime. Our guest speakers will […]
Join a guided night walk and discover the plants and animals that come alive after dark. Learn how Tiakina Whangārei and the Parihaka Community Landcare Group support local ecosystems. You may see: glow worms kauri snails (including glow-in-the-dark snails) cave wētā tuna (eels) and kōkopu fish A short quiz and giveaways will take place at […]
Celebrate Kotahitanga through a powerful collection of local and Māori artworks. Add your thread this Puanga Matariki and be part of a shared vision for unity, community, and connection. An inspired collection of local and Māori artworks focused on the theme of Kotahitanga. We come from different whakapapa, different journeys, and different ways of knowing […]
Matariki is a powerful celebration grounded in the astronomical knowledge of our tūpuna, who looked to the dawn sky to mark the turning of the seasons and prepare for winter. Step inside our immersive planetarium and experience this story brought vividly to life beneath a perfect night sky - free from clouds and cold mornings. […]
Navigating Slowly showcases eight works by Aotearoa artists created between 2017 - 2023, exploring themes of whenua, whakapapa, and our changing ecological world. Featured artists include Sione Faletau Jeremy Leatinu'u Janine Randerson James Tapsell-Kururangi Nat Tozer Noel Meek Jake Kīanō Skinner Sriwhana Spong Ana Iti (currently on display in the gallery) Curated by Noel Meek […]
Nau mai, haere mai ki Whangaruru. Join us as we come together to celebrate Matariki with a shared hāngī, a special kapa haka performance by our local tamariki, and time to reflect, connect and look ahead as a community. After a challenging year, this gathering offers a meaningful opportunity to acknowledge the strength and resilience […]
Join us for a special wānanga with Rereata Makiha (Ngāpuhi/Te Arawa/Rangitāne), a respected leader in Te Ao Māori and renowned expert in the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar). Wed 24 Jun 2026, 6:00pm–8:00pm Semenoff Stadium, Level 2 Lounge, 51 Okara Drive, Whangārei This inspiring session will focus on rangatahi and their aspirations for the future, guided […]
A space for the mana of wāhine to come alive through whakapapa, storytelling and lived experiences. Meet Janet Hetaraka, Dr Maia Hetaraka, Aorangi Hetaraka, Kahikatea and Kōkōwai – an extraordinary lineage of educationalists, writers, and political thinkers from one whānau, sharing their knowledge and perspectives. Accessibility information: mobility parking, wheelchair access, accessible toilets. When Thursday, 02 […]
Join us for two inspiring drop-in art workshops this Matariki. Step into a relaxed, welcoming space where you can explore your creativity, reflect on what's meaningful, and connect with others in your community. Whether you're honouring memories of the past or dreaming about the future, these workshops offer a chance to express your story through […]
Are Germans made of beer and pretzels? Do all Brazilians love to dance and feast at midnight? Does every Indian speak Hindi and a regional language? Curious? Step into the Library of Cultures. A lively, welcoming space where you can meet people from around the world, right here in Whangārei. Pull up a chair and […]
Join a guided night walk and discover the plants and animals that come alive after dark. Learn how Tiakina Whangārei and the Parihaka Community Landcare Group support local ecosystems. You may see: glow worms kauri snails (including glow-in-the-dark snails) cave wētā tuna (eels) and kōkopu fish A short quiz and giveaways will take place at […]
Raranga with Chrissy Anderson Event date: Saturday, 27 June 2026 | 10:00 AM to 02:00 PM This two-day wānanga, led by local kairaranga Chrissy Anderson, will provide the participants with technical skills, resources, and space to create kōnae or pāro. Spaces limited, so get in touch to reserve your spot. Accessibility information: wheelchair access, accessible toilets, hearing […]
Come along and enjoy a vibrant market filled with arts and crafts, delicious food, and fun for the whole whānau. This community-led event is a time to come together, reflect, and celebrate: Honouring the Past Celebrating the Present Looking to the Future Support local artists, makers, and small businesses while enjoying a relaxed day out […]
Free Māori Sign Language course with local tutor Matua Eddie Hokianga (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou). Weekly sessions over five consecutive weeks for beginners to build communication skills and connection. Open to all. Please register your interest on the website or via email: Online: NZSL Club Trust (nzsl.club) Email: kiaora@nzsl.club Accessibility information: wheelchair access, sign language. Tutor and organisers include […]
This rōpū meets every Tuesday in Te Puawānanga at the Whangārei Central Library. To celebrate Puanga Matariki, members will present a special exhibition featuring one of their woven works. Accessibility information: wheelchair access, accessible toilets, hearing loop, accessible parking. When Tuesday, 30 June 2026 | 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM Location Te Puawananga Whangārei Central Library, […]
Honouring the past, celebrating the present, looking to the future. Join us at Reyburn House Art Studio for a creative and welcoming Puanga Matariki experience. This community-led wānanga invites you to explore what Matariki means to you through art, culture and connection. Whether you're experienced or just keen to give it a go, everyone is […]
Join us for some quiet, cosy crafting as we hand stitch together, and create a communal banner for the Whangārei Central Library honouring the whetū (stars) of Puanga Matariki. Accessibility information: wheelchair access, accessible toilets, hearing loop, accessible parking. When Thursday, 25 June 2026 | 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM Thursday, 02 July 2026 | 01:00 […]
Come through to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and experience what our key speakers have learned throughout their te reo journey. Listen to their knowledge and perspective on the Māori worldview. A campus tour will be available from 5:00pm for those who wish to arrive early. Agenda: 5:00pm: Campus tour (optional) 6:00pm: Speakers begin kōrero 7:30pm […]
Join us in the easy-access lower Golf Zone for the annual Puke Kopipi winter planting event for Matariki, and help support the regeneration of this special place. We'll be planting 1,300 native plants from Tawapou Nursery, generously supported by Trees That Count and Whangarei District Council. Community volunteers have been restoring Puke Kopipi for over […]
Join Wiremu Sarich (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Tainui) for a day of interactive storytelling celebrating Puanganui o te Rangi and Matariki. Through pūrākau, taonga pūoro, and playful activities using natural resources, Wiremu will weave stories that connect, inspire, and engage. This immersive experience invites everyone to take part and learn through doing, listening, and sharing together. […]
Trilogy III builds on the momentum of the previous two exhibitions, extending their narratives into the community. With the support of valued collaborators, Whangārei Museum is removing barriers to access by delivering this kaupapa across multiple venues throughout the city this winter. This trilogy was created to explore the meaning and relevance of Matariki, acknowledging […]
In honour of Matariki, the Hundertwasser Art Centre invites our community to come together in a spirit of remembrance, renewal, and care for the environment. From 9:30am on Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 July, we will be gifting free native seedlings grown from our Afforested Roof to visitors, encouraging everyone to take part in a […]
Free Māori Sign Language course with local tutor Matua Eddie Hokianga (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou). Weekly sessions over five consecutive weeks for beginners to build communication skills and connection. Open to all. Please register your interest on the website or via email: Online: NZSL Club Trust (nzsl.club) Email: kiaora@nzsl.club Accessibility information: wheelchair access, sign language. Tutor and organisers include […]
Take a break from winter with this sumptuous event! Opera North's annual 'not opera' concert! Expect outstanding local singers, shared table platters and fine wine with a musical programme that dances between continents and genres with wild abandon, a little arty, a lot contemporary, unexpected, familiar in places, surprising in others. Conductor Maria Satterfield will […]
Join us for this free community dawn gathering under the stars. The service will include waiata, karakia, and a ceremony of remembrance to honour those who have passed and reflect on the year ahead. As the sun rises, you're warmly invited to stay for a shared community breakfast. Enjoy good food, connect with others, and […]
Honouring the past, celebrating the present, looking to the future. Join us at Reyburn House Art Studio for a creative and welcoming Puanga Matariki experience. This community-led wānanga invites you to explore what Matariki means to you through art, culture and connection. Whether you're experienced or just keen to give it a go, everyone is […]
Join us for a special Open Day at the Wairau Māori Art Gallery inside the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Experience the exhibition Tātai Tuarangi: Star Seeds, Sound Waves and Ceremonies, then bring the whānau along to the Activity Centre for free, family-friendly art games and creative activities […]
The people of Hikurangi will be lighting up our Village and hosting an epic Matariki Festival! With lots of kaihaukai (feasting), indoor and outdoor markets, live performances, art displays, free rides for kids and storytime shared by our kaumatua. Our local shops will join in the celebration by staying open late and the whole village […]
Participants will be guided to create kites from natural resources. This hands-on workshop celebrates a time-honored practice, transforming native materials into soaring creations that connect Papa and Rangi through flight. Accessibility information: wheelchair access, accessible toilets, hearing loop, accessible parking. When Saturday, 11 July 2026 | 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM Location Hihiaua Cultural Centre, 56-58 Herekino […]
Free Māori Sign Language course with local tutor Matua Eddie Hokianga (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou). Weekly sessions over five consecutive weeks for beginners to build communication skills and connection. Open to all. Please register your interest on the website or via email: Online: NZSL Club Trust (nzsl.club) Email: kiaora@nzsl.club Accessibility information: wheelchair access, sign language. Tutor and organisers include […]
As part of the Puanga Matariki Festival, join us for an inspiring presentation exploring pathways into horticulture. Discover how you can begin your journey locally with Te Matarau Education (Level 2 in Horticulture) and continue your studies towards a Bachelor of Horticulture at Massey University. This session will give you the opportunity to: Learn practical […]