What's happening this Matariki at Westfield Riccarton

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.

The theme for 2025 is Matariki mā Puanga, is all about inclusion, embracing diversity and celebrating Matariki together. Matariki mā Puanga means Matariki (Pleiades) and Puanga (Rigel) and this phrase acknowledges the relationship between these stars. Matariki mā Puanga acknowledges and embraces the different traditions, stars and tikanga around celebrating the Māori New Year, recognising the regional variations.

Find out where to shop and dine to celebrate with friends & whānau (family) here.

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

Matariki is a time to gather with family and friends to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.

Click here for the Matariki long weekend trading hours.

Discover what’s on for Matariki

Matariki Display
Thursday 12 June - Sunday 22 June | Level 2, outside Decjuba

Discover the story of Matariki at our display. Peer through the telescope and read the stars to uncover the meaning behind Matariki. Take home a guide to help you find the Matariki star cluster.

Kapa Haka
Wednesday 18 June | 9.30am | Level 1, Centre Court

Experience the spirit of Matariki with a live Kapa Haka performance by Wharenui School.

Discover what else is happening here.