Matariki

At last in Aotearoa we have our own  unique Matariki Festival for mid winter.

In Tamaki Makaurau events include dawn karakia, lights on Sky Tower and the Harbour Bridge, kite days, kapa haka groups, jazz concerts, plays, story-telling, films, feasts, street parties…a month to reflect on the past year and celebrate spring and the year to follow…

A stand-out Matariki event for us so far has been a stunning concert by Kāhui Whetū, the group formed by four of Aotearoa’s top Maori and Pacific women musicians: Annie Crummer, Betty-Anne Monga, Maisey Rika and Ria Hall.  This free event, held in the Point Chevalier RSA, attracted an audience of several hundred reflecting the cultural diversity of our city,  including all ages. Congratulations to Auckland Council and Te Wananga o Aotearoa for supporting this concert in four suburban halls.

And thanks  also to Kawerau A Maki, the Council and local boards, Vector and others for the many other exciting ways in which they have lit up our city for Matariki.