Far North set to sparkle for Matariki and Puanga

Communities across the Far North are invited to gather together this winter to celebrate Matariki and Puanga through a wide range of events taking place throughout the district.

This year's national theme from Manatū Taonga - Ministry for Culture and Heritage is Matariki herenga waka, meaning for everyone. The theme highlights inclusion and encourages people from all backgrounds to come together to learn, share and celebrate the Māori New Year.

The theme also recognises the connection to Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland, where the national Matariki celebration is being hosted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Locally, Far North communities will mark the season with events that reflect the values of remembrance, connection, gratitude and hope for the year ahead.

Matariki is a cluster of stars, also known as the Pleiades, while Puanga is a single star, known internationally as Rigel. The appearance of these stars in the early morning sky signals a time to reflect on those who have passed, give thanks for the present and look forward to the future.

Whether attending a community gathering, cultural performance, workshop, exhibition or whānau event, residents and visitors are encouraged to take part in the celebrations and learn more about the significance of Matariki and Puanga.

View the full list of local events below.

Local Matariki and Puanga events

Hosting an event that’s not included below? We’d love to hear from you. Send us an email at communications@fndc.govt.nz and we’ll add it to the list.

Te Hiku

• Pō Puanga Matariki (Free)
  Location: Te Rangi Aniwaniwa, 332 Quarry Road, Awanui
  Date: Wed 1 July 2026, 5:00pm
  → A special evening gathering to acknowledge Puanga and celebrate Matariki with the community.
• Mākete Matariki (Free)
  Location: Te Kura o Te Kao, 6603 Far North Road, Te Kao
  Date: Thu 2 July 2026, 5:00pm–7:00pm
  → A vibrant market with arts and crafts, hot food, drinks, live music and pre-sale hāngi.
• Matariki Poi Making(Free)
  Location: Anō Anō Sewing Space, Shop 6 Bank Street, Kaitaia
  Date: Thu 2 July 2026, 9:00am–12:00pm
  → Create poi inspired by Matariki while learning about their cultural significance in a hands-on workshop (booking recommended).
• Patupaiarehe Doll Making & Storytelling(Free)
  Location: Anō Anō Sewing Space, Shop 6 Bank Street, Kaitaia
  Date: Thu 9 July 2026, 9:00am–12:00pm
  → Make a whimsical doll while sharing stories inspired by Aotearoa’s traditions and folklore (booking recommended).
• Matariki ki Ahipara (Free)
  Location: Ahipara
  Dates: Fri 10 July – Sun 12 July 2026
  → A three-day festival celebrating the Māori New Year with community and whānau activities. Proudly supported by the Te Hiku Community Board.
  Including:
  • Hīkoi Hītori – Summit Walk (Free – registration required)
    Location: Te Rarawa Rugby Club, Ahipara
    Date: Sat 11 July 2026, from 8:00am
    → A guided hīkoi to the summit of Whangatauatia, connecting with local history and panoramic views (participants must be physically capable).
  • Stars of Matariki Festival (Free)
    Location: Te Rarawa Rugby Club, Ahipara
    Date: Sat 11 July 2026, 4:00pm–8:00pm
    → A vibrant community festival featuring food stalls, waiata, kids’ activities and light display celebrating Matariki.

• Muriwhenua Seishin Ryu - Matariki Open
  Location: Te Rangi Aniwaniwa Gym
  Date: Sat 18 July 2026
  → An invitational martial arts tournament showcasing local and visiting competitors. All entries must be received by Saturday 4 July.
• Create a Maramataka(Free)
  Location: Anō Anō Sewing Space, Shop 6 Bank Street, Kaitaia
  Date: Thu 16 July 2026, 9:00am–12:00pm
  → Design and make your own maramataka while learning about the rhythms of the natural world (booking recommended).

Kaikohe–Hokianga

• Matariki Hāngi and Disco
  Location: Ohaeawai Primary School
  Date: Tue 30 June 2026, 5:30pm–7:00pm
  → A community celebration featuring hāngi, face painting, sausage sizzle, ice cream and more and a fun, family-friendly disco.

Bay of Islands–Whangaroa

• Puanga mā Matariki ki Whangaroa
  Location: Various locations across Whangaroa
  Dates: Tue 17 June – Fri 10 July 2026
  → A rohe-wide series of kaupapa celebrating Matariki and Puanga through wānanga, creative experiences, movement, remembrance and hautapu, offering opportunities for whānau to connect, reflect and celebrate together. Proudly supported by the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board.
• Matariki Pēwhairangi Festival
  Location: Various locations across the Bay of Islands
  Dates: Fri 26 June – Sun 12 July 2026
  → A region-wide festival celebrating the Māori New Year, bringing communities together to acknowledge the rising of te kāhui o Matariki and Puanga, now in its sixth year. Proudly supported by the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board.
• Matariki Light Festival (Free entry)
  Location: Oromahoe School, Oromāhoe
  Date: Sat 27 June 2026, 4:00pm–7:30pm
  → An enchanting evening of food, entertainment and a magical lantern walk for all ages. Free entry.
• Manu Tukutuku Kitemaking Workshop
  Location: Te Waimate Mission, Kerikeri
  Date: Sat 4 July 2026, 10:00am–1:00pm
  → Learn to create traditional Māori kites using natural materials; suitable for adults and students aged 15+ (booking required).
• Matariki for Families at Puketī Forest(Free)
  Location: Puketī Forest Campsite
  Date: Thu 9 July 2026, 4:00pm–8:00pm
  → A whānau event with a guided forest walk sharing stories of Tāne Mahuta and Matariki.
• Puanga Matariki ki Te Rāwhiti
  Location: Te Rāwhiti Marae
  Dates: Thu 9 July 2026, 4:00pm – Sun 12 July 2026, 2:00pm
  → A three-day whānau gathering focused on whanaungatanga, mātauranga and mahitahi. Proudly supported by the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board.
• Matariki Housie
  Location: Turner Centre, Kerikeri
  Date: Thu 9 July 2026, 7:00pm–11:00pm
  → A lively, drag-hosted bingo night filled with comedy, performances and sparkling entertainment (booking required).
• Matariki Mixed Pairs Golf Tournament
  Location: Kerikeri Golf Club
  Dates: Fri 10 July – Sat 11 July 2026
  → Celebrate Matariki with a fun two-day pairs tournament featuring 54 holes of Stableford play. Register before Wednesday 8 July. Proudly supported by the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board.
• Bone Carving Workshop
  Location: Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Paihia
  Date: Fri 10 July 2026, 9:30am–4:30pm
  → A full-day workshop creating a carved bone taonga in a tikanga-based contemporary setting (ages 15+, includes entry to the grounds, booking required).
• Maramataka with Heeni Hoterene
  Location: Liddington Gardens, Waipapa
  Date: Fri 10 July 2026, 9:30am–12:00pm
  → A workshop on applying the Māori lunar calendar to everyday productivity, planning and health (booking required).
• Outdoor Movies on the Green: Whale Rider(Free)
  Location: Village Green, Paihia
  Date: Fri 10 July 2026, 5:30pm–7:30pm
  → Presented by BOI Business Association. A relaxed outdoor screening of Whale Rider under the stars with friends and whānau.
• Puanga Matariki Dawn Cruise
  Location: Paihia Wharf
  Date: Sat 11 July 2026, 5:00am–9:30am
  → A guided cruise exploring traditions behind this significant event in Aotearoa, what it means to Te Ao Māori and how to identify Puanga and the Matariki cluster rising  (booking required).
• Pounamu Toki Workshop
  Location: Te Waimate Mission, Kerikeri
  Date: Sat 11 July 2026, 9:30am–4:00pm
  → A full-day workshop crafting a pounamu toki while learning about Māori carving traditions (booking required).
• Matariki Twilight Ride(Free)
  Location: Waitangi Mountain Bike Park, Paihia
  Date: Sat 11 July 2026, 4:00pm–7:00pm
  → A whānau-friendly twilight bike ride with lights, music, kai and Matariki reflections.
• Matariki Dusk Train & Hākari (Feast)
  Location: Bay of Islands Vintage Railway, Kawakawa
  Date: Sat 11 July 2026, 4:00pm–8:00pm
  → A special evening train journey followed by a shared hākari celebrating the Māori New Year. For full details and tickets, contact Bay of Islands Vintage Railway.
• Matariki Celebration of Kapa Haka, Music and Dance
  Location: Turner Centre, Kerikeri
  Date: Sun 12 July 2026 (two sessions)
  → A vibrant showcase of kapa haka, music and dance led by the Ngāti Rēhia Community Kapa Haka Group (booking required).