Nelson City Council is hosting, Te Huihuinga-o-Matariki (the gathering of the stars) Matariki Festival in collaboration with Ngā Iwi e Waru o Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui

This years event will include Taku Kara Tīpuna, the regional secondary school kapa haka competition hosted by Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui Māori Culture Council. Koha (gold coin) entry.

We are pleased to announce our guest performer at this year’s Matariki Festival (to be confirmed) and Naia Awatea (one of two of the soloists from Te Kuru Marutea and winners of the People’s Choice Award at Te Matatini 2025).

The evening’s entertainment will also include a drone show designed by Ngā Iwi e Waru o Te Tauihu-o-Te Waka-a-Māui. The drone show tells the story of Matariki using 50 drones. The show will be on display at 6.00pm and other times to be confirmed.

The matariki market will be open from 11am – 9pm, offering a diverse range of food as well as arts and crafts for sale. Bring your own serveware, drink bottle and resuable bags to reduce waste.

Traffic will be busy in the city, and parking will be limited those attending are encouraged to walk, bike, bus and carpool to the event. Parking will be available is Wakatu Square, Millers Acre, and Traflagar Park.

There will be no access to cash withdrawals onsite and limited access for eftpos transactions, so please bring cash.

Koha - Gold coin entry.

For further details go to the Our Nelson website. http://our.nelson.govt.nz