Keep an eye out here for local Matariki events right across the Wairarapa:

Print Matariki

Monday 16 - Friday 20 June at Hau Kainga and Tinui Hall
A printmaking experience to celebrate Matariki and remember loved ones who have passed with the Pōhutukawa motif. Make prints on paper and textiles at one of the workshops being held at Hau Kainga on June 16, 18, 19 and 20 and at Tinui Hall, June 17. Max 20 people per session. For more info and to register contact: adpotaka@gmail.com

Matariki celebration at Makoura College

5pm Wednesday 18 June
Enjoy our Matariki Celebration at Makoura College including performances from college staff and students, kai, whakawhanaugatanga and manaakitanga all within a friendly whanau environment.

Te Pō Matariki at Masterton Intermediate School

6-8pm Wednesday 18 June
MIS whanau celebrate those loved ones who have passed, including photos, candles, mihi whakatau and karakia. There will be korero on Matariki and recognition given to the Pohutukawa star and those who have passed.

Whakanuia a Matariki - Celebrate Matariki
Wednesday 18 June 3:30pm - 5:00pm, Masterton Library
Celebrate Matariki at the Masterton Library with Kirituhi, star crafts, cookie decorating, games and prizes to be won. All ages welcome and no registration required.

Matariki Remembrance Ceremony
11am Thursday 19 June at Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall Street
Join the Matariki Remembrance honouring those who have passed, hospice volunteers and the wider public. A time to reflect, remember and connect. Come and paint a candle in remembrance of a passed loved one, these candles will then be lit during the shared remembrance ceremony.

Age Concern Matarki event
10.30am-12 noon Thursday 19 June Mahi Tahi Tatou - 14B Queen Street
Ngā Kamātua, Ngā Taonga Kuia, Koroua and whanau can gather together and enjoy shared kai and waiata as we look forward towards our hopes and aspirations for the coming year.

Matariki breakfast at Solway School
6-8am Thursday 19 June Solway School, 318 Ngaumutawa Road
Celebration of Matariki with shared kai to reflect, remember and look to the future while connecting with the community.

Matariki at the Palliser Kitchen

19–23 June at Palliser Estate Martinborough
Celebrate Matariki with the Kaimoana Sharing Plate for Two, a show-stopping celebration of local seafood, and delicious with a glass of Palliser.

Pottery Pit Firing and Star Gazing
Thursday 19 June 6pm-8pm, Fareham Creative Space, Featherston 
Celebrate the spirit of Matariki with shared kai (please bring a plate to share) and star gazing. No experience? No worries! Pit firings are an accessible and communal way to explore pottery.

Riversdale Beach Matariki and Kite Flying
Friday 20 June 2pm, Karaka Reserve, Riversdale Beach
Come along with your whānau to this 'Matariki and kite-flying' free celebration event on Riversdale Beach.  

Featherston Paetūmōkai Matariki Festival
Friday 20 to Sunday 22 June, Featherston
Come for the early morning hautapu ceremony, the Matariki Star Hunt, the Ka Mahara at the Cemetery, Glow in the Arts and mini fell fun and more.

Matariki Bonfire at Castlepoint
Friday 20 June, Castlepoint Beach
Come down to the beach at 5am to celebrate the rising of Matariki with a beach bonfire, fire poi display and sausage sizzle.

Eastside community disco under the stars
6pm-8.30pm Friday 20 June, The half court, McJorrow Park
Celebrate Matariki with the Eastside Community Group at a fun interactive event for local tamariki and rangatahi. Learn the names of the stars that make up Matariki and enjoy a disco under the stars! $2 entry.

Matariki Hangi at Castlepoint Hotel

Friday 20 June 12pm-5pm
The Castlepoint Hotel’s dedicated chef Rach is putting together a Hangi special for Matariki including all the traditional ingredients for $25. Orders to be received by Monday 16th. Takeaway or Eat in.

Celebrate the Matariki in Stonehenge Aotearoa
Friday 20 June 4.30pm, Carterton
A magical night of stars, stories, and connection honouring the Māori New Year with celestial insights, cultural traditions, and the rising of the Matariki star cluster.

Matariki Degustation Dinner at Brac & Bow
Friday 20 June, The Royal Hotel, Featherston
Celebrate this special occasion in the New Zealand calendar that marks the start of the Māori New Year. Call 06 308 8567 to book.

Pou Whenua Unveiling – Matariki Dawn Ceremony

Saturday 21 June | Departing 5:30am (arrive by 5:15am). 
Meet at Wairarapa Events Centre – transport provided to Ngā Tāwhai Reserve. Experience a special dawn unveiling of a Pou Whenua, honouring te taiao, people, and place. Spaces are limited – bookings essential: info@cdc.govt.nz

Matariki Celebration — Lamb Asador & Wine Launch
Saturday 21 June at Cambridge Road, Martinborough
Join Cambridge Road for a special Matariki gathering featuring a traditional Lamb Asador feast and the inaugural release of Crystal Veil wine.

Matariki Charity Lunch for Lions Club Carterton
Saturday June 21 at Club Carterton
The charity lunch will celebrate the Māori New Year for 100 invited guests, who will enjoy a hot hāngī and connect with the Lions club.

The Featherston Vinyl Club Matariki Sunday Sesh
Sunday 22 June, 3pm-7pm at Waimarie Eatery & Bar, Featherston
Chilled, family-friendly celebration of the start of the Tau Hou (New Year) with a boogie, beer and some sweet vinyl drops and tunes! Free Entry.

Matariki Business Breakfast – Māori in Business Wairarapa
Wednesday 25 June 2025, 7.15–9.30am, Hockey Wairarapa Pavilion, Masterton.
Join Māori in Business Wairarapa for a special Matariki. Enjoy a kōrero-style panel with local pakihi sharing their journeys through the lens of Matariki, wellbeing, and enterprise. Register here.