2026 THEME
URURANGI
THE GATEWAY TO THE STARS
This year for 2026, Matariki Te Tauranga o ngā Waka embraces Ururangi as its theme, provided by renowned Māori navigator Jack Thatcher, whose expertise in celestial navigation and traditional knowledge continues to guide and enrich our celebrations here in Tauranga Moana.
Ururangi is one of nine stars of Matariki. During mid-winter, when Matariki rises, we can look towards the eastern horizon before sunrise to see the Matariki star cluster.
Ururangi is associated with the winds and is said to predict their movements. This connection is reflected in its position as the highest star within the cluster.
MATARIKI COUNTDOWN
Matariki is the Māori name for the star cluster also known as the Pleiades. While it comprises over 300 stars, only seven are typically seen – we can observe Matariki rise in the north-eastern horizon just before dawn.
Matariki is a time for remembering the deceased and celebrating new life. Matariki was a season for manaakitanga (hospitality) that brought communities together. Visitors were showered with gifts of specially preserved food and other delicacies. Throughout Matariki, Māori learnt from each other, which ensured that traditions like arts, weaving, waiata, performances, wānanga and whakapapa were passed from one generation to the next.
This year's public holiday is on 10 July 2026.
WHATS ON
Matariki Te Tauranga o Ngā Waka
Kapu & Kōrero: Matariki 2026Mon, 15 JunToi Tauranga Art Gallery
Matariki for TamarikiTue, 30 JunBaycourt Community & Arts Centre
Ururangi: Navigating CreativityWed, 01 JulThe Kollective
Te Hui Marama a Matariki: Tauranga Waldorf School Matariki Light FestivalThu, 02 JulTauranga Waldorf School
Opening: Ngā Hihi o Matariki – An exhibition of works by Tauira o Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Toi Paematua Toi AtaataMultiple DatesFri, 03 JulThe Peoples Gallery - Toi Ka Rere
Art Under The Stars - Toi Street PartyFri, 03 JulThe Incubator Creative Hub
Clay TaongaSat, 04 JulTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga Library
Contact
Please feel free to contact us by phone or email.
Or alternatively fill in the form below, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
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MATARIKI HERENGA WAKA
FOR EVERYONE
