What's happening this Matariki at Westfield Manukau

Mānawatia a Matariki Te tau hou Māori

Celebrating the Māori New Year

Matariki signals the Māori New Year. It is a time of renewal and cues the rising of the Matariki star cluster (the Pleiades or Eight Sisters). Matariki is the star that signifies reflection, hope, our connection to the environment, and the gathering of people.

According to the Maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar), the reappearance of Matariki brings the old lunar year to a close and marks the beginning of the new year. Hence, Matariki is associated with the Māori New Year. It is a time to gather with family and friends to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.

The theme for 2026 is Matariki Herenga Waka – For Everyone, focusing on unity, inclusivity, and the gathering of people to celebrate the Māori New Year

Learn more about the artist behind our Matariki creative in-centre, Tristan Marler (aka Manawa Tapu) here.

Click here for the Matariki long weekend opening hours.

Discover what’s on for Matariki

Journey through the Stars of Matariki in our Immersive Star Tunnel.

Step inside a beautifully illuminated walk-through tunnel where storytelling, light, and shared
reflection guide your journey.

As you move through the space, you are surrounded by the glow of a star-style ceiling, soft ambient music, and rich narrative panels that honour the core Matariki traditions of remembrance and aspiration. Each step invites you to pause, to learn, and to feel connected to the stars above, to the stories around you, and to the people walking alongside you.

Guided by Hiwa-i-te-rangi, the wishing star of the Matariki cluster, this is a space to set intentions, to remember those we have lost, and to dream of the year ahead together.

Dates	Time	Location
29 June - 12 July	Centre opening hours	Level G, near Typo

Matariki Face Painting.

Enjoy glow-in-the-dark Matariki-themed face painting as we celebrate the Māori New Year. Visit the face painting station located next to our Matariki Immersive Tunnel on the date below.

Date	Time	Location
10 July	11am - 2pm	Level G, near Typo

Matariki Poi Workshop

Celebrate Matariki by creating your own poi and learn about this traditional Māori taonga. Visit us in Centre Court and take home your own handcrafted poi.

Dates	Time	Location
4 July	11am - 2pm	Level G, Centre Court