This year Matariki (Māori New Year) falls in the second week of the July school holidays. This is a time to celebrate wānaka (learning) and whanaukataka (community spirit).

In Ōtepoti Dunedin Māori New Year is celebrated through a diverse citywide programme of community events. The return of the lone star Puaka and the star cluster Matariki to our midwinter skies marks the time to come together to share stories, pass on knowledge and learning, remember the dear departed, and plan for the year ahead. 

In a normal year there would be many community wide events to celebrate Matariki. However, this is not a normal year and while the full programme of events is not being held in Dunedin this year there are still many activities and events on in our city that we hope our families will enjoy over the school holiday period. Please have a look at the photos and the links below for more information. 

https://www.facebook.com/PuakaMatarikiFestival

https://www.matarikidunedin.co.nz/