Matariki 2026 - Matariki herenga waka - for Everyone
June 2026
This year's theme is all about inclusion and encouraging all people to celebrate Matariki together.
Matariki is from 8-11th July in 2026. Matariki is a time of togetherness, reflecting, celebrating and preparing for the coming year. We can honour the values and principles of Matariki through our participation.
The values of Matariki are Aroha, showing love and respect for each other.
Whakamaumaharatanga, remembrance, honouring ancestors, and connecting to whakapapa.
Kotahitanga, unity, togetherness, and collective actions.
Tohatoha, sharing of resources, knowledge, wisdom and food with friends, whānau and community.
Mana Taiao, environmental awareness, sustainability, and connection to the natural world.
Hākari, feasting and abundance.
Wānanga, shared discussion.
Noho tahi, coming together, gathering with friends and whānau.
Atawhaitanga, kindness, compassion and caring. Whakanui, celebration and honouring.
And Tuakiritanga, identity, personality, cultural heritage.
The principles of Matariki and how we can participate in these include:
Remembering and honouring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki. This can be done through sharing memories, looking at photos, participating in an activity they loved and visiting their resting place. You could participate in a hautapu ceremony, where you and your whānau call out your loved one’s names who have left in the past year.
Coming together to give thanks for what we have. We can organise and/or participate in kaitahi (shared kai), bonfires, whānau events and group activities as fun ways to show gratitude for what we have and who we have. Go outside before the sun rises and look at the Matariki stars with whānau and friends.
Welcoming the fresh start and unwritten chapters of the year ahead. We can do this through making goals and sharing our dreams and aspirations with others.