Matariki Ahuka Nui – Dawn Ceremony

In partnership with Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki and Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, the Dunedin City Council and Otago Museum welcome everyone to an event celebrating the Māori New Year.

In honour of Aotearoa's newest public holiday, come to an event opening Ōtepoti Dunedin's Matariki celebrations with a karakia to welcome the new season; whakamaumahara, reflecting on departed loved ones; waiata; kapa haka performances; and a free community breakfast.

Join us at 7am for our dawn ceremony celebrating the rise of Matariki. We begin in the Museum Reserve with karakia to welcome Matariki into the dawn sky and whakamaumahara to remember those who have passed away. This will include large-scale projections of the Matariki star cluster and the seasons changing, alongside photos of loved ones who have passed away in the past year.

(Go to www.otagomuseum.nz/matariki before 15 June to share a photograph of your loved one to be included in the projection)

We will then move inside for kōrero and waiata. The ceremony finishes with kai-o-te-ata, a free community breakfast for all.

Be sure to wrap up warm and bring an umbrella in case of rain.
Matariki ahuka nui. The abundance of Matariki
Nau mai, haere mai. Everyone is welcome.

Museum Reserve and Otago Museum Café