6pm Saturday 18th June 2022

Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea, Matariki for short is a cluster of stars which is visible in our night sky in June or July each year. Matariki appears in the dawn sky – signaling the start of the Māori New Year.

It is a time to celebrate new life, to remember those who’ve passed and to plan for the future. It’s a time to spend with whānau and friends. Many come together to enjoy kai (food), waiata (song) and tākaro (games).

Nau mai haere mai whanāu!!

Let's gather for a night of fun and magical offerings to celebrate Matariki and our beautiful heart-centered Aroha Essence Festival Community.

TIANA TE MOANA - Rongoa practitioner at Kohu Wellbeing and co-facilitator at Goddess Gatherings By The Sea will share her knowledge with inspiring kōrero about Maramataka (the Māori lunar calander) and the stars of Matariki.

DJ JUSSY - Is a well renouned DJ and beat boxer. He is Aroha Essence Festival's Sound and stage technician and he has the dancefloor jumping at many Ecstatic dances in Õtautahi. DJ JUSSY will treat us to a special Matariki inspired dance set with juicy beats for us to release, express, and move freely to. This set is bound to have you vibing high!

KIKI POUNAMU ~ Waikirikiri Kōpuni Taonga Pūoro collective featuring Rua Pick, Atawhai & Tuarāhonu will share a Taonga Pūoro sound journey as we lay back and connect into the teachings of Matariki. Let the sacred flutes, shells and other traditional Māori musical instruments take you on a journey across rivers, mountains, forests and seas.

What bliss!

Photography by Mary Baycroft will be there with a fun pop up photobooth.

A craft activities station will be set up for tamarki. Your input is welcome.

Kai options will be announced soon.

Come nourish your soul, meet friends new and old, have fun and make heartfelt connections.

Whānau are very welcome.

Earlybird tickets are on sale now 💚

(Tamariki under 16 are free)

☆Te aroha me te atawhai☆