Celebrate Matariki and Puanga: Your guide to what’s on in the Far North
This winter, communities across the Far North will come together to celebrate the Māori New Year with a wide range of Matariki and Puanga events. From dawn hautapu ceremonies and kapa haka to art exhibitions, wānanga, and whānau-friendly festivals – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Here in the Far North, both Matariki and Puanga are recognised and celebrated. The 2025 theme from Manatū Taonga (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), Matariki mā Puanga, acknowledges the connection between these two important stars, Matariki (Pleiades) and Puanga (Rigel). Both stars will rise in the eastern sky before sunrise during winter.
As they appear in the early morning sky, they offer a moment to reflect – to remember loved ones who have passed, give thanks, and looking ahead to the promise of a new year.
Whakanuia Puanga, Whakanuia Matariki!
Join us in celebrating Puanga and Matariki this season.
Far North District Libraries are also hosting a series of free creative workshops to help mark the season – find out more here.
View the full list of events below.
Local Matariki and Puanga events
If you are 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 below.
⭐ Te Hiku
June 17 - Pō Makete, night market at Te Rangi Āniwaniwa school. 5-8pm
June 20–22 – Matariki ki Ahipara: A three-day festival celebrating the Māori New Year.
Proudly supported by the Te Hiku Community Board. Including;
- June 20 – Ahipara Art Exhibition at Ahipara Golf Club. 5–9pm
- June 21 – Hikoi ki Whangatauatia: walk to the summit of Whangatauatia at Te Rarawa Rugby Club, meet from 8am
- June 21 – Stars of Matariki Festival, Te Rarawa Rugby Club at Ahipara. 4–8pm
June 20–21 – Puanga Matariki Wānanga and Working Bee at Wai Ora Marae, Ngataki.
Proudly supported by the Te Hiku Community Board
June 20 – Puanga nui o te rangi at Maheatai Reserve, Taipa Point. 5:30–8:30am
Experience the magic of hautapu, uplifting mihi and a hearty hāngī.
Proudly supported by the Te Hiku Community Board
⭐ Kaikohe-Hokianga
June 7-14 – Ngā Whetu Toi o Hokianga Arts Exhibition at Manea Cultural Centre.
Including workshops with Medina Koni, Reva Mendes and Emere Te Paea, hosted by Ako Hokianga. Whakatau at 10am June 7th.
Proudly supported by the Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board
June 14 – Matariki Movie Under the Stars at Rawene School. 3–9pm
Whānau-friendly outdoor movie night with games, stalls and activities by Paua Trust.
‘Coco’ (reo Māori) screening at 6pm
Proudly supported by the Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board
June 14 – Whakanuia Puanga at Memorial Park, Kaikohe. 10am–4pm
With Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services, Te Hauora o Ngāpuhi and Te Whare Āwhina o Ngāti Tautahi. Welcome the New Year together with kai, tamariki activities, prizes, whānau entertainment, and live bands.
June 14-15 - Matariki ki Te Ākau at Mātihetihe Marae, Mitimiti.
Including mirimiri and whānau photo sessions, Mitimiti hoodie shop and more. Rsvp by 6 June.
June 14-27 - Te Iringa a Tūpoto at Village Arts Gallery Kohukohu Hokianga. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-3pm
The exhibition is a celebration of toi Māori, toi Ngāi Tūpoto and Ngāti Here.
⭐ Bay of Islands - Whangaroa
June 14-28 – Matariki Pēwhairangi Festival, across Waitangi, Kororāreka-Russell, Paihia, Kerikeri and Kawakawa.
Returning for it's fifth year including free and ‘pay what you can afford’ events. Head to www.matarikinz.com for more information.
June 14 – Ngā Reta: Reo Māori solo show, Turner Centre. 7:30pm
Proudly supported by the Bay of Islands–Whangaroa Community Board
June 14 – Oromahoe School Matariki Lights Festival. 4–7:30pm
With food stalls, music, dancing, raffles. Lantern walk at 6pm
June 19 - Matariki for families at Puketi Forest. Puketi Forest campsite, 1715 Waiare Road. 4-8pm
Special free event of guided forest walks, campfires, hot food and activities.
June 20 – Matariki Movie Under the Stars, Simpson Park, Moerewa. 3–9pm
Whānau-friendly outdoor movie night with games, stalls and activities by Paua Trust.
‘Coco’ (reo Māori) screening at 6pm
Proudly supported by the Bay of Islands–Whangaroa Community Board
June 20 – Moana outdoor movie, Paihia Village Green. 5:30pm
Presented by Business Bay of Islands.
June 20 - Kaikohe Demolition Matariki Screening. Atea-Town Square, Kawakawa. 6.30pm
Hosted by Kawakawa Business and Community Association. Bring something comfy to sit on and a blanket, hot kai and drinks available.
June 21 – Matariki Dawn Cruise with Fullers Bay of Islands and Explore Group, departing Paihia or Kororāreka (Russell) Wharf. 5–9:15am
June 21 – Matariki Dusk Train at Bay of Islands Vintage Railway. 4–8pm
June 22 – Waitangi Open Day, Waitangi Treaty Grounds. 9am–5pm
Free entry for all visitors
June 22 – Matariki Celebration of Kapa Haka, Music & Dance. Turner Centre, 6–7:30pm
Hosted by the Ngāti Rēhia Community Kapa Haka Group.
July 2 – Matariki Glow Show - bilingual stage show, Turner Centre. 10am and 11:30am show times.
Proudly supported by the Bay of Islands–Whangaroa Community Board