Matariki signals the Māori New Year and is a time of celebration and renewal. It begins with the mid-winter rising of the Matariki star cluster.

An Evening of Taonga Pūoro with Ariana Tikao

6:30pm to 7:30pm on Friday 13 June, at Te Ara Ātea

Join Kāi Tahu musician and Arts Laureate Ariana Tikao for a special night of taonga pūoro. Ariana will start the evening with an introduction to these unique ancestral instruments of Aotearoa, demonstrating their sounds. Then she will invite people to relax and be immersed in the mesmerising voices of her taonga, while she sings waiata and recites her moving poetry based on the stories of local pūrākau and places. A night not to be missed! All ages welcome.

$10 library members, $20 non-members.

Bookings required.

Mānawatia a Matariki

Thursday 19 June and Friday 20 June, at Rolleston Town Centre (green space behind Te Ara Ātea)

Gather your whānau and join us for a magical evening under the stars to celebrate Matariki!

Thursday 19 June

5pm to 9pm: Interactive lighting installations
5:05pm to 5.20pm and 6:10 to 6:40pm: Live music from R&B artist Hone
5:30pm to 8pm: Kapa haka performances from local Selwyn schools

Friday 20 June

5pm to 9pm: Interactive lighting installations

Hungry? Check out the awesome array of eateries along Tennyson Street and Rōhutu Way.

Free entry.

All ages welcome, drop-in.

Follow our Facebook event page for updates!

Night Sky Experience

7pm to 10:30pm on Friday 20 June, at Greenpark Memorial Community Centre

Celebrate the Māori new year with an unforgettable evening under the stars! Enjoy a 60-minute stargazing tour led by experts from Christchurch Astro Tours. Discover the wonders of the night sky and learn about the stars, planets, and constellations. 10+ years.

$35 per person (plus booking fee).

Bookings required.

Matariki Crafts

3:30 to 4:30pm on Monday 23 June, at Lincoln Event Centre

3:30 pm to 4.30pm on Thursday 26 June at West Melton Community and Recreation Centre

Pop down to your local community centre for some Matariki crafting fun! 4+ years.

$5 per person.

Book using the links above for your location.

Loopy Tunes

11am to 11:40am on Saturday 28 June, at Te Ara Ātea

Join musical duo Loopy Tunes, sisters Leah and Siu, for a session of interactive bilingual music, stories and fun! They both love what they do and are looking forward to (once again) celebrating Matariki with you! Whānau-friendly.

Free to attend.

Bookings required.