Celebrating Matariki

24 June 2022 - 17 July 2022

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Matariki is a huge date in the Aotearoa calendar.

With the day now being an official public holiday, Matariki 2022 (Friday 24 June) was a cause for extra attention.

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Manukau Matariki ki Uta

Traditionally, Matariki is a period of solemn reflection, followed by a celebration of the present and a looking ahead to the future. It is an appreciation for the earth, the ocean and the environment, and for looking to the stars. We're extremely grateful to mana whenua for their guidance in how we approach this important and special time of the year.

Manukau will be host to a two-day festival centred around storytelling, kai and whānau.

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The showpiece of the festival will be a live projection by Marcus Winter - aka the Sandman - each evening retelling the story of The Origin of Fire from a Māori perspective. Rediscover the importance of Māui (the adventurous demigod) and Mahuika (the Māori goddess of fire), surrounded by fun and enchantment.

After an opening kapa haka welcome, Friday's headline act will be a very special show from multi-instrumentalist Māmā Mihirangi and Mareikura.

Saturday's opening act, meanwhile, will be the Allana Goldsmith Group - get ready for breathtaking takes on classic songs. As for the headliner, we'll be treated to a show from none other than electronic funk sensation Laughton Kora!

There will be food trucks, workshops and storytelling throughout the day, honouring the tradition where people gather to share kai and kōrero during this period.

  • Where: Manukau Civic Square, 1 Osterley Way
  • When: Friday 24 June, Saturday 25 June (10am-10pm)
  • Suitable for: All ages
  • Cost: Free
  • EventLink

Henderson Korowai by Hiria – Matariki Pop Up Shop

Manukau will be host to a two-day festival centred around storytelling, kai and whānau.

If you’re in or near Henderson, you’ll want to check out this Matariki Pop Up Shop at the KBH Showroom. We will have two Māori entrepreneur-driven brands, Korowai by Hiria and NZ Poi Shop, sharing expertise about korowai and poi, along with a full display of items available. What’s more, local Māori kuia and kaumātua (elders) Sonny & Gloria Niha will be there to share their mātauranga (knowledge) with us all. Learn about te reo Māori, tikanga Māori (Māori customs), poi, waiata (songs), korowaitanga and more!

  • Where: 14 Edmonton Road, Henderson
  • When: June 24 and 25 June
  • Time: 10am - 4pm
  • Suitable for: All ages
  • Cost: Free
  • Event link

Onehunga Matariki ki Onehunga – Origins of Fire

For our final Matariki of celebration of 2022, head to Onehunga for something very special indeed.

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Friday 15 July

7:00pm – HIWA Kapa Haka Group

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The name HIWA derives from the wishing star Hiwa-I-te-Rangi, which is part of the Matariki cluster. The performance-based group are proud ambassadors of Māori cultural, heritage and knowledge in Tāmaki Makaurau. Together with their audience, they create moments of aspiration through song and dance by telling the stories of their ancestors in a fun and interactive environment.

HIWA are highly skilled with tī rākau stick games and poi, both of which were practised by warriors to develop the skills required when wielding Māori weaponry such as the taiaha or when manning waka.

7:30pm – The Sandman

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See the Sandman himself, Marcus Winter, visualise the story of Māui and the origins of fire with his trademark sand animation and a soundtrack by Honotahi.

Marcus’ breathtaking toi (art) is a natural fit for this Matariki celebration, and will be especially effective at lighting up the faces of our tamariki. The Sandman’s artistic passion stems from his culture, ancestry, country and desire to promote and preserve te ao Māori on an international scale.

8:00pm – Modern Māori Quartet

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The award-winning Modern Māori Quartet (MMQ) brings the concept of a “Māori Ratpack” into the present with a contemporary twist, celebrating the entertainment legends of Māoridom such as the Hi-Marks, Māori Volcanics Showband, Dalvanius and the Fascinations, Māori Hi-Five, Māori Troubadours, Quin TIkis and The Howard Morrison Quartet.

MMQ’s live shows are parties like no other, weaving acting and musical abilities together through a mix of off-beat comedy, stage routines, unique takes on showband hits as well as pop music, and displays of distinctively Māori song and dance. With hearty voices in epic harmony, they share Māori traditions, aroha and tell Kiwi stories through both original and remixed waiata with signature tongue-in-cheek Māori humour, charm and charisma.

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Saturday 16 July

7:00pm – Daniel&Ashley

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Daniel&Ashley are a Korean husband-and-wife duo based in Aotearoa. When Ashley moved here from Australia, the pair wondered in what ways could they learn and embrace Māori culture. As they both love music, music was the method they naturally chose. Since then, their musical journey has been focused on approaching Waiata Māori in their style.

7:30pm – The Sandman (Repeat)

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See the Sandman himself, Marcus Winter, visualise the story of Māui and the origins of fire with his trademark sand animation and a soundtrack by Honotahi.

Marcus’ breathtaking toi (art) is a natural fit for this Matariki celebration, and will be especially effective at lighting up the faces of our tamariki. The Sandman’s artistic passion stems from his culture, ancestry, country and desire to promote and preserve te ao Māori on an international scale.

8:00pm – Beau Monga

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Beau Monga is a music artist who is passionate about music/sound and his cultural background. He started off as a beatboxer and is now making original music. You may remember Beau back in the day as the 2015 NZ X Factor Winner. Having run away with the circus for a few years, it's been a while since Beau has performed in Aotearoa, but he’s back and better than ever.

Daytime performances on Saturday

  • 11:00am-11:20am - Psalm
  • 11:30am-11:50am - Encore
  • 12:00pm-12:20pm - Piki te ora
  • 12:30pm-12:50pm - Good Friends Collective – Lemiko
  • 1:00pm-1:20pm - Piki te ora
  • 1:30pm-1:50pm - Good Friends Collective – Joe
  • 2:00pm-2:20pm - Uru Tabu Performing Arts Collective
  • 2:30pm-2:50pm - Rozay
  • 3:00pm-3:20pm - Villi Ville
  • 3:30pm-3:50pm- OKIS
  • 4:00pm-4:20pm- Tay the TaysteMaker ft. Sinbad

Tāonga Māori arts and crafts stalls

  • XMT Creations - Pounamu, Korowai, Koauau, Kakahu, Taonga Māori
  • Taiao Creative - Natural Māori Taonga, Hue
  • Whenu Ataahua - Kete, Potae, Earrings
  • Fayora Candles - Candles
  • M2Toi - Art
  • Momo - Fashion
  • KaHuri Designs - Maori wraps, korowai, kids taonga
  • Kiaora Korowai - Korowai, Canvas Korowai
  • KRS Apparel - Apparel
  • Akeakeake Clothing - Apparel
  • Akari Aotearoa - Body Treats
  • 312 The Hub - Store
  • Lily Kaukau Design - Jewellery

Workshops

Be sure to check out the poi (Poi Yeah) and weaving (Poi Yeah/Te Puawai Mahi Toi) workshops, too.

Parking will be available at 39 Pleasant Street (near Onehunga High School) – about a 10 minute walk, perfect for coaxing out your appetite!

  • Where: Taumanu Reserve, Onehunga
  • When: Friday 15 July (5pm-10pm), Saturday 16 July (10am-10pm)
  • Suitable for: All ages
  • Cost: Free
  • Event link

Food stalls

  • Spin Spuds Auckland - Spud on stick / Frybread
  • Chars Kai Basket - Boil up, Fritters
  • Mussel Man - Fritters, Oysters
  • Little Green - Indian Food
  • Master Food Coffee – Asian