Matariki on the Waterfront will see Silo Park and Wynyard Quarter come alive with a range of workshops and games, as well as DJs, kai, and a place of connection, remembrance and renewal for all.
Over 20 special events celebrating Matariki will take place on the city centre's waterfront from June 19 to July 11, 2021. If you've never celebrated Māori New Year before - or if you're returning for another year of festivities, make sure you add these events and activities to your list.
Festivities
Celebrate the Māori new year at Matariki Festival’s premier open-air music and food event, with headline act Trinity Roots!
Enjoy dynamic, live kapa haka, māhi toi and a special performance by the NZ Dance Company.
Art installations
A large-scale art installation in Viaduct Harbour's Market Square representing stars from the Matariki cluster.
Highlighting the main stars that make up the Matariki cluster, a series of stunning lightboxes on display at Te Komititanga and Takutai Square.
For Matariki this year a group of retail stores are reimagined as spaces for artists and their taonga, becoming sites for storytelling and knowledge exchange.
Workshops and activities
Immerse yourself in over 300,000 woven stars on display in Silo 6 during Matariki and learn to weave your own with free workshops.
A guided tour exploring the connection between Te Ao Māori belief systems, representations and themes, and the modern city centre landscape.
Join Auckland Libraries’ Kōrero Bike on a unique bike tour celebrating the rich history woven through our local area.
Shows
NZSO will be conducted for the first time by international sensation Han-Na Chang, with NZSO Section Principal Cellist Andrew Joyce and NZSO Section Principal Violist Julia Joyce as soloists.
Sorry for your Loss is Cian Parker's story of growing up, and explores the effect of having a sometimes-there-mostly-not Dad.