Wānaka’s lakefront was the setting for a special gathering on Friday (June 20) as the community came together to celebrate Matariki with kapa haka, bonfires, hāngi, and live performances.

Kahu Youth operations director Anna Sutherland told the Wānaka App the celebration was “magic”.

“It’s such an important event for our community as it brings te ao Māori to life and gives us all a chance to come together, share kai, reflect and look ahead as we welcome the Māori New Year,” she said.

The name Matariki is taken from the cluster of stars which rises in midwinter. Kahu Youth has hosted the annual Matariki celebrations at the lakefront since 2010.

In the years since it began, the local Matariki celebrations have grown from something that attracted a small gathering to becoming a central event on the community calendar.

The celebration lasts from early afternoon until dark, when people regroup at the lakefront bonfires to stargaze.

Local youth play a crucial role making the celebrations possible each year and 2025 was no exception, Anna said.

“We had 60+ young people volunteer their time in the lead-up and on the day,” she said.

“Their tasks included preparing kai for the hāngi, running weaving workshops and Matariki craft activities, supporting at the hāngi pit, face painting, and even MCing the event.”

Long-standing Matariki volunteers also “supported and guided rangatahi in their volunteer roles, passing on their knowledge and creating space for youth to step up and lead”, Anna said.

Watching tamariki and rangatahi performing kapahaka at the community stage was “another highlight”, Anna said.

The Matariki celebration is founded on three key principles: remembrance, giving thanks, and looking to the future. 

PHOTOS: Deanna Gerlach