Matariki

Celebrate Matariki rising at Sydney Observatory with a night of events inspired by Te Mātahi o te Tau, the Māori New Year.

Matariki, the Māori name for the star cluster also known as Pleiades, rises every midwinter, heralding a time of remembrance, celebration, and renewal. Visitors are invited to register to attend the dynamic program that includes weaving workshops led by Western Sydney artist Angela Paikea, talks from Myles Maniapoto, performances by kapa haka group Te Raranga Whanui, and hāngi (food cooked using a Māori traditional method using heated rocks) made by Hāngiworks. The evening also features a Speaking the Stars ritual with Jamaica Moana, where visitors can reflect on loved ones lost and release future intentions to the stars.