Matariki 2026: Celebrating the Māori New Year with Our Community
This year's Matariki celebrations across Hauraki were among the most vibrant yet. Here's a look at how our community marked the Māori New Year.
Matariki — the rising of the Pleiades star cluster — signals a time for reflection, remembrance, and renewal. Across the Hauraki region this year, communities gathered in force to mark this special occasion.
Events Across the Rohe
From Paeroa to Thames, Whangamatā to Waihi, marae opened their gates and invited whānau to share in the kai, the kōrero, and the waiata that make Matariki so meaningful. Ngāiwi FM broadcast live from several of these gatherings, bringing the celebrations to listeners across the region.
The Stars That Guide Us
Each of the nine stars of Matariki carries its own significance — from Pōhutukawa, who connects us to those who have passed, to Tūāhuriri, who governs the winds and weather. Learning about these stars helps us stay connected to our tupuna and to the natural world around us.