Matariki Festival and Tātai Arorangi (Star Party)

Date/ Time: Saturday, 20 July 2019 from 15:00-20:00

Tickets: $1 – $2 (Pay at Event)

Venue: Founders Heritage Park (87 Atawhai Drive, Nelson)

Hosted by: Nelson City Council and Founders Heritage Park

The star cluster Matariki appears in our skies in the month of Pipiri (June–July), marking the start of the Māori -New Year.

With the season of Matariki upon us, Nelson City Council invites family and friends of Nelson to Founders Heritage Park to celebrate with us. Come and enjoy culture, cuisine and a night with the stars…

Bring your bean bag and make sure to wrap up warm! There will also be a beautiful selection of Māori kai/cuisine available for purchase during the event.

Saturday 20 July 2019, Energy Centre, Founders Park, 87 Atawhai Drive, Nelson, GOLD COIN ENTRY

Matariki Festival, 3 – 6pm

Movie Alfresco (Movies will be confirmed).

Kapa Haka Performances by: Te Pouahi (Nelson Central School); Te Pītau Whakarei (Nelson Intermediate School) and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tuia Te Matangi.

All three groups are representing Whakatū/Nelson at Te Mana Kuratahi National Primary School kapa haka competition.

Tātai Arorangi (Star Party), 6.30 – 8pm

Star gazing.

Guest speaker Toa Waaka (Vice President, of the Society of Māori Astronomy).
Toa will share stories of the Māori creation story, Māori cosmology and link the big bang theory, as well as insights of how Māori used the night sky for navigation.

Click here to find more information