Matariki in Porirua

Nau mai, haere mai, ki Porirua City. Join us to celebrate the 2025 Māori New Year.

Matariki will be celebrated in Porirua from 18–28 June this year. It’s a time to spend with whānau, share stories and kai, remember your ancestors and celebrate life.

There are a range of events and activities planned for the whole whānau to enjoy. Keep an eye on our Facebook Events page for upcoming events.

This year Pātaka Art + Museum is honouring the central star Matariki – the mother of the Matariki constellation, who fosters wellbeing and health. From yoga in the gallery to artist talks, live music and tai chi – join us for a wellbeing boost with creativity and connection.

Visit the Pātaka website for more information about their Matariki events.

18 June
Matariki Storyworld and craft session

Date: Wednesday 18 June, 11am-12pm
Location: Tamariki area of the City Centre Library
Cost: Free

Join children’s book illustrator Isobel Joy Te Aho-White for stories and crafting.

19 June
Ka kā te Rama – light walk

Date: Thursday 19 June, from 5.30pm
Location: From Whitireia Polytech on Wi Neera Dr around to Porirua harbourside
Cost: Free

New for 2025, Ka kā te Rama will officially start Porirua City's Matariki celebrations with a light walk around the waterfront – from Whitireia Polytech to the Porirua harbourside to coincide with the opening of the Matariki light installation.

Come along and help us to light up the night! Be it fairy lights in your hats, carrying tea light lanterns or anything else that sparkles, we want to see everyone shine.

19-21 June
Light display at the Harbourside

Date: Thursday 19 June - Saturday 21 June, 6-9pm
Location: Porirua harbourside
Cost: Free

The harbourside area's popular light display returns again for 2025! Experience this stunning outdoor light display for the whole family to walk through and experience. There’ll be fireside stories and buskers, and delicious kai to purchase too.

20-22 June & 28 June
Matariki Under the Stars – an interactive experience

Date:  Friday 20 June - Sunday 22 June, 10am-3pm & Saturday 28 June, 10am-3pm
Location: Te Rauparaha Arena
Cost: Free

Encounter the night sky from inside Te Rauparaha Arena, with engaging interactive experiences.
Each session is 30 minutes long, and will run every 45 minutes between 10am–3pm.

20 June
Whakatō i te wairua o Matariki

Sowing the spirit of Matariki and restoring Bothamley Park together

Date: Friday 20 June, 10.30am – 1pm
Location: Bothamley Park, Champion St entrance and Bellona Pl entrance
Cost: Free

Celebrate Matariki with restoration, reflection and connection. Now that Bothamley Park has fully reopened to the public, this is your chance to volunteer and become kaitiaki for this beautiful park. The day will include two planting sites, litter pick up and pest plant removal opportunities, play activities for tamariki, free kai for all participants, and volunteer groups with stalls to showcase their mahi.

21 June
Elvis Under the Stars

Date: Saturday 21 June from 6.30pm
Location: Te Rauparaha Arena
Cost: $69 from Ticketspace

Come along for an evening to remember under the stars. We will provide great food and have entertainment provided by Elvis tribute artist Che Orton.

Ticket price includes dinner. There will be a cash bar available.

23 June
Fitness Under the Stars

Date: Monday 23 June, 5.30–8pm
Location: Te Rauparaha Arena
Cost: Free

A merge of fitness classes under the stunning star setting. There will be four classes that roll from one to the next, come along and participate for as long as your stamina allows!

Children accompanied by an adult are welcome to join in too.

26 June
Hāngi Under the Stars

Date: Thursday 26 June, 5–7pm
Location: Te Rauparaha Arena
Cost: $21 for hāngi and steamed pudding / $16 for hāngi only. Pre-orders only, purchase from Te Rauparaha Arena reception or by calling 04 237 1521.

Join us for a hearty hāngi under the sky in our spectacular starlit setting with background entertainment. This popular event sold out last year, so get in quickly!