Central whānau and friends can celebrate Matariki for the third year running with a community focused event at Dunstan High School (DHS). 

On Thursday, June 27, a Matariki market will take place, featuring performances from the DHS Kapa Haka and student and teacher bands. 

Stalls selling food, crafts and art will be open from 4pm until 6pm.

Year 10 students have used their economics class to create items to sell at the event and all the money raised will go towards new uniforms for the DHS Kapa Haka group. 

Traditional hangi and fried bread needs to be pre ordered, but other food items, including hot drinks, crepes, soup, sausages and cupcakes can be purchased on the night.

Organisers ask that people bring cash along and dress warmly for the event. 

In other events, Cromwell College is holding a hui for Māori and Pasifika whānau tonight, June 24, to come together as a community and enjoy a shared meal. 

Uruuruwhenua Hauora’s Mānawatia a Matariki (Celebrations to welcome Matariki) will also be held daily on Monday to Thursday, from June 24 to 27, from 10am. 

A wide range of activities and services are on offer including craft workshops, balm making, whānau haircuts, seed sowing, raranga (weaving), mirimiri (traditional massage), kai and korero (food and conversation) and everyone is welcome. Find further information and booking details here.

Matariki is the Māori name for Pleiades, a bright group of stars, that reappear in dawn skies in June or July marking the start of the Māori New Year.

Matariki is a time of celebrating new life, remembering those who’ve passed and planning for the future. It is also a time to spend with whānau and friends. 

How to spot the Matariki star cluster in New Zealand. PHOTO: File 

In 2022 Matariki became a public holiday in New Zealand and nowadays many New Zealanders honour Matariki by remembering ancestors, sharing kai (food), singing songs and sharing stories at festivals and events. 

The Government legislated to ensure the public holiday always falls on a Friday allowing people to travel to their hometown or around the region and spend more time with whānau.

Find out more about DHS Matariki event here.

Share what Matariki means to you, how you marked the occasion? Let our [email protected] know and we’ll publish the best photos and comments.