Opening the Matariki Festival – Tāmaki Makaurau
Time: 5:45am (Arrival) 6:30 AM (Dawn Karakia)
Join us for the Matariki Dawn Karakia, a sacred and uplifting ceremony marking the beginning of the Matariki Festival. This special gathering honours the rising of Matariki — a time for remembrance, gratitude, and renewal.
Led by kaumatua, ruruhi, and He Kurawaka, the ceremony will begin at the base of the maunga and follow an illuminated path to the summit. There, we will welcome the new year with karakia, kōrero, and waiata.
Post-ceremony: Bus transport to the Papakura Club for shared breakfast and kōrero.
Shared Kai: 8.00am at the Papakura Club for shared breakfast and kōrero.
Kaitiaki will guide and protect all manuhiri, ensuring cultural and archaeological respect throughout the event.
Traffic managed by Māori Wardens and Ngāti Tamaoho staff.
All are welcome. Come together to celebrate Matariki with aroha and unity.