Matariki Whānau Festival

Dress up warm and come along to this popular free Maori new year family celebration that attracts thousands of delighted families.

There's singers, dancers, kapa haka, bands and hip hop dancers. Free kiddies rides and hot kiwi kai are on offer.

Write a message of love onto a lantern, make a wish and place inside Te Waka a Rangi then join a procession of lights and life.

The show ends with a spectacular fireworks extravaganza.
We encourage those living within a kilometre to leave the car at home and walk to the park.

We are grateful to our major funder Trust House for their huge support as well as Te Puni Kokiri - Ministry of Maori Development and Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc. We are also grateful for support from Flaxmere Community Patrol, Flaxmere Māori Wardens, Taiwhenua o Heretaunga and Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui a Orotu.