What's happening this Matariki at Westfield Newmarket
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
Discover what’s on for Matariki
The Matariki Telescope Lookout
This Matariki, you’re invited to look beyond and connect with the stars through an immersive telescope experience, bringing the Matariki cluster into focus and drawing us closer to the stories, wisdom, and wonder woven across our skies.
Follow the stars through the centre to the balcony and discover The Matariki Telescope Lookout.
Dates: Friday 26 June to Sunday 12 July
Location: The Rooftop, Level 5, next to Bodrum
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