Matariki herenga waka – For Everyone
Since becoming a public holiday in 2022, when the inaugural ceremony was held in Wellington, the national Matariki celebration has travelled across the country, including to the central North Island in 2025, where Ngāti Rangi hosted the national Matariki ceremony at Tirorangi Marae at the base of Mount Ruapehu. This rotating approach reflects the importance of iwi-led storytelling and ensures communities across Aotearoa can connect with Matariki in meaningful, locally grounded ways.
Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, is set to host the national broadcast Matariki hautapu ceremony for 2026 at Takaparawhau/Bastion Point on July 10 2026, led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
Sitting prominently above the Waitematā Harbour and in clear view from Auckland’s North Shore, the site creates a strong sense of connection for communities on both sides of the water, a reminder of the shared significance of this special time of year.
The celebration will be broadcast across Aotearoa New Zealand with a distinct theme – “Matariki herenga waka – For Everyone”.
What is a hautapu?
Known as whāngai i te hautapu, or hautapu for short. Hautapu is a deeply meaningful Matariki ceremony where whānau come together to honour the rising stars, remember those who have passed, and welcome the promise of a new year.
At its heart is the sharing of kai, carefully chosen from the natural world to reflect the domains of the Matariki stars. Before dawn, the food is prepared and offered with karakia, carrying intention, gratitude, and remembrance.
As the steam rises into the morning sky, it becomes a sacred gift to the stars, symbolising the connection between earth and sky, the living and those who came before. In this moment, the past is honoured, the present is grounded, and the future is embraced.
With the first light of the sun, the Māori New Year begins, bringing renewal, hope, and a sense of unity.
Michelle Beard – Author – BNH Ambassador
