Heretaunga
MATARIKI HUNGA NUI HERETAUNGA - HASTINGS
MANY PEOPLE GATHER FOR MATARIKI
Pāharakeke Mon 9th June
Fish Hook Summit Wed 11th June
Heretaunga Friday 20th June
Mānawa mai a te putanga o Matariki.
Mānawa mai a te ariki o te rangi.
Mānawa mai a te mātahi o te tau
Hail the rise of Matariki
Hail the lord of the sky
Hail the New Year
Matariki is the Māori tradition that marks the rising of the star cluster Matariki Pleiades. Matariki signals the start of the Māori new year and is a time of commemorating the passing of loved ones, making plans for the upcoming year, feastings, celebrating and giving thanks for the harvest.
MATARIKI TĀPUAPUA
The Pools of Matariki
Monday 9th June, 6pm - 9pm
Kai trucks onsite, Acoustic Entertainment
The Pond, Flaxmere Park, Henderson Rd, Flaxmere
Write a message of remembrance, reflection and gratitude on a lantern. Witness hundreds of lanterns reflecting on the water. One free lantern per family. These are biodegradable
FISH HOOK SUMMIT
Wednesday 11 June
Measure, Manage, Restore and Protect
Napier War Memorial Centre
9am - 4.30pm
KAI HAU KAI MATARIKI
Feast on Kai, Entertainment and Fireworks
Friday 20 June (National Matariki Holiday)
Free entry. 2pm to 8pm Fri 20 June.
HB RACECOURSE
Prospect Road, Hastings
Vehicle Parking via Market Street
Dress up warm to re-enrgise the soul and warm the senses in the chill of winter at the second public holiday to celebrate Matariki.
Celebrate the spirit of Matariki in a vibrant indoor market showcasing the beauty of Māori craftsmanship and healing traditions.
Experience the art of mirimiri, traditional Māori massage, alongside handcrafted ointments and herbal remedies that honour rongoā Māori.
Discover and purchase taonga directly from talented Māori artists—each piece infused with meaning and ancestral connection.
Explore exquisite creations of pounamu (greenstone), raranga (flax weaving), and a diverse range of contemporary Māori artistry.
Join us for a truly special gathering where creativity, tradition, and community come together! Nau mai Matariki.
Atamira Mākete – Market Stage
-
2pm. What’s Up
-
3pm to 4pm. Ika Tiakarete Karaoke. Open Mic
-
4pm to 5pm Matariki Stars in Your Eyes Dress up and sing like your favourite star. Cash prizes
Atamira Matariki - Main stage
-
5.30pm to 7.45pm. Epic entertainment
-
7.45pm Maumahara (Acknowledge all those who passed)
The Hawke's Bay Race Course will come alive with kai galore serving everything from traditional Maori hangi, rewena and toroi to kebabs, curry, dim sims and hot dogs. The entertainment is epic too.