Council and a number of Kawerau community groups and organisations are collaborating to provide events for our community to recognise Matariki.

Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars treasured in Aotearoa. It is a time when whānau remember those who have passed on; celebrate the present and plan for the future.

For many Māori, it celebrates the start of a New Year. 

cultures throughout the world also celebrate and recognise Matariki.

We look forward to sharing this journey with you as we recognise Matariki.

2023 Matariki Celebrations

Wednesday, July 5 

• Matariki Film Screening:

Night Ride (2021) Directed by Todd Karehana (Ngai Te Rangi, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Ruapani ki Waikaremoana). (10 min). 

Showing at 1.30pm in the Kawerau Concert Chamber. More information available here.

Monday, July 10 

• 9:30am - Karakia to open Matariki and Events, Concert Chamber, Ranfurly Court, Kawerau 

  • Nau Mai Haere Mai | All Welcome - join with Ngāti Tūwharetoa (Bay of Plenty) Kaumātua Te Haukakawa Te Rire to recognise the Mānawatia a Matariki | Celebration of the Māori New Year. 

• 10.00am - Matariki Community Awards Presentation,  Concert Chamber, Ranfurly Court, Kawerau 

  • Following the mihi and karakia, the inaugural Matariki Kawerau Community Awards will be presented to individuals and groups whose contribution as volunteers in many areas of the community are recognised and applauded. Please celebrate these awardees and their achievements with morning tea. 

More information and nomination forms available here. (Nominations are now closed). 

Tuesday, July 11 

• Kawerau isite - Matariki On Foot Hikoi

10am leaving the Kawerau isite.

The Kawerau isite Matariki Hikoi | Walk is back. There are nine checkpoints on the hikoi | walk that each represent one of the nine stars of Matariki.

For more information please contact the Kawerau isite on 07 323 6300 

Wednesday, July 12 

• Sir James Fletcher Kawerau Museum Exhibition (located on Jellicoe court, inside the Kawerau District Library):

"Kia Whakatōmuri te haere whakamura - I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past"

11:00am - Exhibition Free of charge and Open from 12 July 2023 until 12 September 2023. More information available here.

• Matariki Film Screening

Mauri (1998) Directed by Merata Mita (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāi Te Rangi). (90 min). (PG Parental Guidance is recommended 

1.30pm showing in the Kawerau Concert Chamber. More information available here.

Film credits + Synopsis: https://www.nzfilm.co.nz/films/mauri

Images + Poster Art: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/sxwohw66a4x4vn46nu5as/h?dl=0&rlkey=wg22705y8k616j1psvvzpbmb7

Film courtesy of Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission

Thursday, July 13

• Matariki Morning Tea with the Mayor for Kaumātua, Kuia | Seniors 

Her Worship the Mayor | Kahika Faylene Tunui cordially invites our Kaumātua, Kuia | Senior residents of Kawerau to join her for Morning Tea

10am, Town Hall, Ranfurly Court, Kawerau

**You must register for this event due to limited space available. Please register by phone on 07 306 9009 or at the Council Office. Registrations CLOSE Wednesday 5 July or when seating is filled.**

Friday, July 14 

Matariki Public holiday (Please note: Council Office and District Library closed) 

• Tirotiro Whetū o Matariki Ki Kawerau Hautapu at Opunoke the summit of Monika Lanham Reserve

  • 5am onwards. Head to the Opunoke, the summit of Monika Lanham Reserve to remember those who have passed and view the stars. Please join together for light refreshments afterward in the Concert Chamber, Ranfurly Court, Kawerau 

• Kawerau industrial public open day - 10am to 2pm 

  • Open Day event to showcase industrial businesses in Kawerau and promote rangatahi | youth joining the work force. 

10am to 2pm Head to Manukorihi Drive for kai, entertainment and to talk about opportunities for work and training.

Hosted by Industrial Symbiosis Kawerau, Mayors Taskforce for Jobs and Kawerau Youth Council. Check out more details on ISK Facebook

Wednesday, July 19 

• Matariki Film Screening:

Ngāti (1987) Directed by Barry Barclay (Ngāti Apa). (93 min). (PG Parental Guidance is recommended)

1.30pm showing in the Kawerau Concert Chamber. More information available here.

Film credits + Synopsis: https://www.nzfilm.co.nz/films/ng-ti

Images + Poster Art: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/mrtiy2e3vwhqx5ehpy8hn/h?dl=0&rlkey=e7yahqsnfwhldp14dn9a7k4wa

Film courtesy of Te Puna Ataata New Zealand Film Heritage Trust and Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission

​​​​​​​For more information, please contact Kawerau District Council on 07 306 9009.