Fresh from earning national recognition in the New Zealand Events Association Awards for the past two years, the nationally recognised Ōpōtiki Matariki Festival is returning with another packed programme of activities celebrating the Māori New Year.

Running from July 3 to 18, the festival has grown into one of the district’s signature annual events.

It claimed top honours at the 2024 New Zealand Events Association Awards, winning Best Community or Not-for-Profit Event (under 3000 attendees) for its 2023 festival, before again being named a finalist in 2025. The back-to-back recognition highlights the festival’s success in bringing together culture, creativity and community.

Coordinated by the Ōpōtiki isite, this year’s festival embraces the theme of Herenga Waka – bringing people, communities and aspirations together – with a diverse programme of events encouraging whānau to connect, reflect and celebrate Matariki.

Festival activities begin tomorrow with a free Matariki Disco at Te Tāhuhu o Te Rangi Library and Learning Centre, where children are invited to dress as their favourite book character for an evening of music, dance and fun.

The launch also marks the start of the popular Matariki Star Hunt, Matariki Colouring Competition and Kai Gatherer Challenge, all running throughout the festival.

Te Tāhuhu o Te Rangi manager Joelle Campbell said hosting Matariki events at the library was about creating opportunities for people to come together.

“Hosting Matariki events at Te Tāhuhu o Te Rangi is about bringing our community together in a meaningful and inclusive way.

“By offering free activities like our school holiday programme, disco and storytime, we create opportunities for whānau, tamariki, and even visitors from out of town to connect, celebrate and learn about this special time of year.

“It’s a chance to welcome people into the library, strengthen community ties and make the spirit of Matariki accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”

The library will continue the celebrations throughout the school holidays with free daily activities from July 6 to 17.

Children can enjoy everything from bookmark competitions, paper lantern making and star design workshops to storytelling, star weaving, arts and crafts, bracelet making, board games and a Lego competition, with a different activity featured each day.

From there, the wider festival programme continues with an exclusive screening of Taiarahia: Te Kākahu Tawhito at the De Luxe Theatre on July 7, followed by the premiere screening of Moana the following evening.

Those looking to connect with the natural world can take part in He Pō Hīkoi ki Hukutaia at Hukutaia Domain on July 9, while July 10 offers a choice of experiences including Whāngai i te Hautapu at Ōpeke Marae, a Matariki Wānanga at Kutarere Marae and the Matariki Ambrose Golf Tournament at the Ōpōtiki Golf Club.

Environmental stewardship also features strongly in this year’s programme, with the Tiaki Taiao ki Ōpape community conservation event taking place on July 15, reflecting one of the key values of Matariki – caring for the natural environment while looking ahead to future generations.

The celebrations continue with a Matariki Quiz Night at the Ōpōtiki RSA on July 17 before culminating in the Ōpōtiki Matariki Festival Finale at the Ōpōtiki Skate Park on July 18.

Those keen to extend the festivities can also look forward to the Ōpōtiki Matariki Ball at the Royal Hotel on July 25.

Alongside the scheduled events, families are encouraged to explore the township through the ever-popular Matariki Star Hunt, discovering colourful stars created by local schools and displayed in shop windows throughout the town.

While the programme offers entertainment, workshops and community activities, organisers say the festival remains firmly grounded in the kaupapa of Matariki – remembering those who have passed, celebrating the present and looking with hope towards the future.

Whether attending a cultural event, exploring the Star Hunt, enjoying a library activity or simply spending time with whānau, the festival offers plenty of opportunities for the community to come together during the winter school holidays.

A full programme of events is available from the Ōpōtiki i-SITE, online and through the festival’s social media channels.