This year’s Matariki Festival started on 20 June and will come to an end on 15 July. While some festivities have already come and gone at this point, there are still plenty of events taking place to celebrate the Māori new year.
The scale of the 2020 festival is smaller than previous years because, as the whole world can testify to, there’s no such thing as business as usual this year. To look at things in a more positive light (because we need all the positivity we can get this year), this change can be seen as a fantastic opportunity to celebrate in different ways, such as smaller community events, installations and also online.
Events include Vector Lights for Matariki Festival and Light Up Tāmaki that see landmarks around Auckland such as the Harbour Bridge, Skytower and Queen Street light up in Matariki colours. From 29 June to 4 July, you can also head to Takutai Square in Britomart on your lunch break where you can buy and taste traditional Māori kai while watching live kapa haka performances. While you’re in Takutai Square, have a look at the display of lightboxes that feature imagery of local kapa haka. There is also a cool-looking installation on the stairs at Freyberg Place near Chancery Square that shows the names of the stars in the Matariki cluster.
Like I said earlier, there are lots to do and see. You can visit the Matariki Festival website for full festival information.
