Join Kāhu Youth to celebrate Matariki — a time for whānau to reflect, reconnect, and rise for the year ahead.

Matariki, marked by the rising of the Te Kāhui o Matariki star cluster, is a time for remembering the past, celebrating the present, and setting intentions for the future. This year’s event brings together local whānau, tamariki, and rangatahi for an afternoon of free activities, cultural performances, hangi, and community connection.

Dinosaur Park / Lakefront
10th July 2026 from 2-6pm

The event features free activities for tamariki and rangatahi, fostering appreciation for Māori culture through storytelling, performances, and hands-on activities.

Event Highlights:

• Delicious hangi – served from 5pm. Get in early as last year we sold out! Pre-sales start at 2pm.
• Kapa haka groups performing on the Community Stage.
• Live storytelling of local Māori legends by kaumātua Darren Rewi.
• MCs Paul Tamati, Ryan Enoka and Toby Brown, guiding the audience through the meaning of Matariki.
• Kāhu Youth Pop-Up Youth Centre for rangatahi to relax at and soak up the Matariki Atmosphere.
• Tamariki Interactive Marquee with Matariki themed crafts and stories.
• Weaving Workshop – join Te Kakano to weave harakeke stars
• Bonfires along the lakefront, perfect for warming up.
• Giant bubble show, a favourite for tamariki at 4:40pm.
• Community Waiata – together we will sing Ko Te Whirika, at 5:30pm along the lakefront and we invite all to come and sing with us.

The celebration is a fantastic whānau-friendly event of culture, community spirit, and fun.

For more info and up to date event timings check out kahuyouth.org