New Zealanders gather across Aotearoa each year to celebrate Matariki, the Māori New Year.

Matariki refers to the cluster of stars that rise in the middle of winter, known in other cultures as the Pleiades. Iwi across the country celebrate the beginning of a new year at different times and in different ways.

It’s a time to gather for food and celebrations, to honour those lost over the past year, and to make plans. In 2023, New Zealand is today celebrating a public holiday for the second time in honour of Matariki.

Throughout the month, countless celebrations and workshops are being held across the country - and here are just a few things to do to celebrate, from festivals, to food, to family-friendly events.

Businesses are also not ordered to close for any period during Matariki and there are no trading restrictions.

People gathered at Bastion Point in Orakei this morning to participate in the Matariki Dawn Ceremony. Photo / Hayden Woodward

Feast Matariki

Presented by Eat New Zealand and Ngāi Tahu, Feast Matariki is on until July 23.

The feast includes several Mahika Kai workshops in the South Island, to help teach people about traditional Māori practices of gathering, growing and using natural resources for food and medicine.

Coordinator Reese Harrison (Ngāi Tahu) explains that mahika kai (to work the food) is an essential part of Southland’s food story, pointing out practices like oystering, fishing and diving.

“It’s important to raise awareness around these practices for the longevity of harvesting and sustainability of these species. I’m excited to be part of a movement to raise awareness of Matariki, our Māori New Year, and the importance of Mahika Kai.”

People can attend workshops in Otautahi/Christchurch), Otepoti/Dunedin), Rakiura/Stewart Island), Awarua/Bluff) and Murihiku/Southland), to learn how to prepare kai like tītī/muttonbird), inaka/whitebait), ika/fish) and tūna/eel.

You can get your tickets here.

Matariki degustation dinner

Celebrity chefs Kasey and Karena Bird are hosting an outdoor dining experience throughout Matariki including the long weekend.

The sisters are known for winning MasterChef New Zealand in 2014, and for creating food that honours their heritage. Now they’ve designed a four-hour degustation dinner hosted by Te Pa Tū in Rotorua, featuring nine dishes representing the stars of Matariki, as well as cultural performances and entertainment for diners.

“This is an opportunity to present our kai in a unique way, to be enjoyed with some storytelling throughout the evening,” Kasey shares.

“We are also excited to be working with Te Pā Tū chefs – of Māori and international whakapapa who are passionate about sharing what Matariki means to them.”

You can book your spot here.

An example of kai that will be enjoyed at the Matariki feast at Te Pa Tū in Rotorua. Photo / Supplied

A day at the movies

Silky Otter Cinemas will screen several essential viewing movies from Kiwi directors in an event designed to bring families and film buffs together to celebrate Matariki.

Iconic New Zealand films Mauri, Ngāti, Utu Redux and Patu! will screen at Silky Otter theatres in Ponsonby, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Wigram, Ōtautahi/Christchurch and at the brand-new location in Papaioea/Palmerston North.

You can get your tickets on Silky Otter’s website.

Anzac "Zac" Wallace as Te Wheke in Utu Redux. Photo / Supplied

Matariki Festival Day

If you’re in Auckland and looking for a free, family-friendly way to celebrate and learn about Matariki this weekend, then why not head along to Matariki Festival Day?

It’s an immersive one-day celebration taking place at Auckland Town Hall and Aotea Square on the public holiday, Friday July 14.

The event will see the iconic Auckland venues showcasing art, culture and kai throughout the afternoon. You can see dance and kapa haka performances, explore food trucks or stalls showcasing work from Māori designers, creators and gaming experts, or tune in to panel discussions from various Māori experts.

The event will run from midday to 6pm on Friday July 14.

Vector Lights for Matariki Festival

Auckland’s Harbour Bridge will light up for Matariki from Tuesday July 11 to Wednesday July 19 in a visual display that will be visible from countless locations throughout the city.

With the official opening at Silo Park on Tuesday July 11, the iconic landmark will light up throughout the week from 6pm, with the show repeating until midnight.

The 15-minute light and sound display tells a story from iwi partner Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, with the theme Ahi Kā roa - “burning fires”.

Auckland's Viaduct Harbour is home to a special light and sound display from creative director Tuhirangi Blair from July 7-23 in honour of Matariki. Photo / Bryan Lowe, Auckland Council

Matariki at Auckland Zoo

Auckland Zoo is celebrating Matariki with activities and learning sessions for kids available throughout the school holidays.

Round up the kids this weekend for a visit to the zoo with a twist - there are Matariki-themed sessions for young children to learn about some of the wildlife taonga/treasure we’re lucky enough to have in Aotearoa. Auckland Zoo’s conservation team will host 15-minute sessions to teach kids about conservation and their favourite animals.

You can also share kai at the on-site cafe Te Puna, or bring your own.

The Matariki activities are included in ticket prices and are on offer from July 1-16 during the zoo’s regular opening hours from 9:30am to 4:30pm.

2023 Rā Manu Aute - Kite Day

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is putting on a fun day out this Saturday at Bastion Point to celebrate the tradition of kite-flying.

In Māori tradition, manu aute - kites made from the aute plant, manu tukutuku - long-tailed kites, and manu taratahi - kites with one plume, were used to carry messages between tribes and to the heavens.

Bring the kids along to fly kites or to watch the colourful display. Kai will be available to buy, or you can bring your own and have a picnic.

Are shops open on Matariki?

Businesses are not ordered to close for any period during Matariki and there are no other trading restrictions. The sale of alcohol is permitted on Matariki.

Regular public holiday laws apply to anyone working, where they must be paid time and a half. In some circumstances, workers will also be given a paid day off at a later time, known as a day in lieu.

It is important to remember that due to the rise in cost for staff on this day, many businesses will create a surcharge to offset the additional costs.