The 2026 national broadcast for Matariki celebrations is set to take place in Tāmaki Makaurau with the theme Matariki Herenga Waka – For Everyone, a nod to host iwi Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s waka traditions and Auckland’s slogan as the city of sails.
Matariki, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith said the theme is about people coming together to celebrate in Auckland or “wherever they may be in New Zealand”.
“The Māori New Year is a time of reflection, celebration, and preparation. It is a time to remember loved ones, come together with whānau to give thanks to what we have and look forward to the promise of a new year.
“While the theme changes from year to year the values of reflection, celebration and preparation remain the same.”
Goldsmith said Ngāti Whātua have been welcoming the wider Auckland region to their public Matariki event for years.
“It’s estimated about 5000 people attended this year, becoming the largest celebration in the country.
“This will help showcase the wider region and what makes the Māori New Year unique for the area.”
Matariki in Tāmaki Makaurau
During Matariki this year in Auckland, crowds gathered at Takaparawha-Bastion Point to ring in the Māori New Year with a hautapu ceremony.
At the time, Kingi Makoare (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei) said it was awesome to see the eagerness from people to learn about Māori culture.
“It’s heartwarming to see people really interested in us.”
Fiona Smith (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei) added that it was a “great reflection of what New Zealand really should be”.
“Together, collaborative right from the beginning, standing shoulder to shoulder, doing things together, holding hands together.”
Past national broadcasted Matariki events
2025 – Tirorangi Marae at the base of Mt Ruapehu, hosted by Ngāti Rangi – theme Puanga mā Matariki (Puanga x Matariki)
2024 – Treble Cone among the peaks of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, the Southern Alps, hosted by Ngāi Tahu – theme Matariki Heri Kai (The feast of Matariki)
2023 – Rotorua Skyline on Mt Ngongotaha, hosted by Te Arawa waka
2022 – Te Papa, Wellington
