Celebrating Matariki

Join us in honouring the Māori New Year with a series of vibrant events.

Around the District,

Everyone is welcome, bring your whānau and be part of something special! You can download the list of events here (pdf 5 MB).

Lunchtime concert series

All concerts start at 12.30pm at Richmond Library.

Te Mana Hā - Friday 3 July

A multi-ethnic waiata group who live, work and thrive in Whakatū and Te Tai o Aorere, committed to learning te reo Māori and performing in the community since 2021.

Tasman District Council Waiata Group - Monday 6 July

A waiata group made up of members from the Tasman District Council team, performing a collection of songs in te reo Māori.

Mosaic World Music Choir - Tuesday 7 July

Nelson’s longest standing world music choir, bringing a cappella pleasure to audiences for nearly 30 years with high energy and vibrancy.

Tū Mataika - Wednesday 8 July

An acoustic duo featuring singer and lyricist Amy Ka and guitarist Martin Hucklesby performing Great American Songbook classics reinterpreted in te reo Māori.

Lucy Summerfield - Thursday 9 July

A singer-songwriter and waiata artist from Motueka, drawing from artists such as Bic Runga and Joni Mitchell, Lucy crafts songs with stories at the heart of them, weaving together English and te reo Māori in her performances.

Interactive experiences

Cosy campsite with native bush sounds

  • Monday 6 – Friday 17 July, 10.00 am – 3.00 pm at Richmond Library
  • Monday 6 –Thursday 9 July, during opening hours Tākaka Library
  • Monday 6 –Thursday 9 July, during opening hours Murchison Library

Enjoy some quiet time with your whānau at the beginning of a new year, experiencing the peace of the New Zealand bush at night while creating a star to add to our shared Matariki display.

The stars of Matariki in the night sky 

Monday 6 –Thursday 9 July 10.00 am – 5.00 pm at Motueka Library

Learn about the nine Matariki stars and create your own to hang up in our rūma Matariki.

Star weaving workshops

  • Monday 6 July, 9.30 am – 10.30 am at Motueka Library
  • Monday 6 July, 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm at Richmond Library

Learn how to weave a Matariki whetū using harakeke.

Waiata Sing-Along                     

Thursday 9 July 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm Decks Reserve, Motueka

Enjoy star gazing and a sing-along with musicians performing in te reo Māori.

Kai and hot chocolate will be available to keep you warm (bring your own cup!) This is an alcohol and smoke free event.

Back to the event listing

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