Kapa haka, live music, a night market, and lantern displays are set to illuminate Matariki celebrations in Nelson and Tasman this week. The region is gearing up to commemorate the Māori New Year with a series of events designed to bring communities together and honor the significance of this cultural tradition.
Starting on Thursday, a family fun event will take place at the Washbourn Gardens in Richmond. From 5 pm onwards, attendees can enjoy performances by the Harmony Hunters band, witness captivating kapa haka performances, and experience mesmerizing fire displays. In recognition of the Matariki constellation, a star-themed treasure hunt will also be organized.
Meanwhile, the Tasman District Council is organizing a Matariki light competition at the gardens. The competition will feature lanterns, light sculptures, and light displays that will be on view for the public. Votes can be cast on the council’s Facebook page, allowing everyone to participate and show their support.
In Motueka, Matariki celebrations will take place on Friday at Decks Reserve from 6 pm to 8 pm. Visitors can enjoy an evening filled with entertainment, including a performance by Te Oroa Hā, live music, delicious food, stargazing, and traditional dances known as kanikani.
Nelson will host a regional secondary school haka competition, called Taku Kara Tipuna, on the Matariki public holiday on Friday. This day-long event, held at the Tragalgar Centre, will feature six school teams competing for a chance to qualify for the national finals next year.
The Matariki Night Market (Mākete Pō) will take place in Rutherford Park, adjacent to the Tragalgar Centre. From 5 pm to 9 pm, visitors can explore a variety of arts, crafts, and kai (food) stalls. The market will also feature live music, captivating light art, and a mesmerizing fire poi performance.
Entry to the Matariki Night Market is a gold coin donation, which will be given to the Whakatū Te Korowai Manaakitanga Trust, a charitable organization that provides social services incorporating Māori values throughout the region. The event has a lineup of talented performers, including singer-songwriter Maaka Fiso, singer and actress Awhimai Fraser, and the Modern Māori Quartet.
This year, the Nelson event will not include fireworks in line with guidance from the Matariki Advisory Committee. It was decided that fireworks do not align with the environmental awareness of the Matariki celebration. However, the council plans to hold a fireworks display at another, more suitable time in the year.
The Victory Community Centre is preparing for its annual Matariki event, scheduled for July 21. The event will feature school and community performances, a hāngi (traditional Māori earth oven cooking), hot soup, and a lantern hīkoi (walk) along the Railway Reserve. A vegetarian option will also be available for those with dietary restrictions.
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith encourages the community to embrace the Matariki festival as an opportunity to learn more about kaupapa Māori (Māori principles), foster family togetherness, and celebrate the region’s diversity through food and entertainment.
As the region gears up to celebrate Matariki, these events provide an opportunity for people to come together, reflect on the past, and look ahead to the future. Matariki is a time-honored tradition that holds great significance for Māori culture, and these festivities aim to highlight its importance and bring communities closer.
