Matariki 2026 - Hautapu Ceremony

Join us to celebrate the rising of the Matariki star cluster (Pleiades) - the only indigenous public holiday here in Aotearoa.
 
From 5:00am – 7:00am, we will conduct the Hautapu ceremony, a traditional celebration that signals the Māori New Year. As part of this ceremony, we observe Matariki in the pre-dawn sky, acknowledge the bounty of the past year, reflect on those who have passed, and acknowledge the presence of loved ones among the stars. Through karakia and mōteatea, we honour the past while setting intentions for the year ahead.
 
Kai from our four gathering environments (salt water, fresh water, cultivated kai, and kai from the sky) is prepared and offered through the ritual of hautapu, where the steam rises to nourish the stars, symbolising reciprocity between people and the natural world.
 
The ceremony concludes in the spirit of togetherness, where the sharing of kai, kōrero, and warmth strengthens community bonds and welcomes the new year with clarity, purpose, and collective hope.
 
Attendance to our Hautapu Ceremony is free, but tickets are required. You can also pre-purchase a light parakuihi (breakfast) with your ticket - a sausage sizzle (vegan sausage available) and hot chocolate. Alternatively, our café will be open after the ceremony, offering cabinet food and barista-made coffee for purchase.

In Māori history, after a formal Hautapu ceremony everyone would gather to feast, play games, plan and prep for the year ahead.

Our Whānau Day on Rotowhio Marae ātea from 9am to 3pm, can also be booked for $5 here: https://events.humanitix.com/matariki-2026-whanau-day