Matariki re-appears, Whānui starts its flight. Being the sign of the new year! Celebrate by checking out some of the awesome music events happening across Aotearoa.
Te Hihiri – Matariki 2021
“Poetry, wild rock ’n’ roll, 12 bands, two stages, and one room... what could possibly go wrong?”
Te Hirini - Matariki celebrates Māori identity, independent creative spirit, manākitanga and whanaungatanga. Be wowed by an all-star lineup of Māori rock ’n’ roll bands from Ōtaki, Pōneke, Whanganui, and Tāmaki Makaurau.
Staring MC Rob Tuwhare, with performances by Upper Hutt Posse, Guardian Singles, Na Noise, Dick Move, Dartz, The Tape Wolves, King Kaiju, Roy Irwin, Tender Moonlight, King Ketchup, Hallelujah Picassos, and Thee Golden Geese.
June 25
Tāmaki Makaurau
R18+
More info/ticketing information here
Te Hihiri – Matariki 2021 Photo: supplied
Te Korakora on Takutai
Headliner Ria Hall is joined by Mara TK, DJ Spell’s, and LaCoco for an evening of beautiful music across genres, celebrating contemporary Māori musicians.
July 9
Tāmaki Makaurau
More info/ticketing information here
Mara TK Photo: supplied
Ahi Kā
Celebrate Matariki over two evenings on the Wellington Waterfront.
There will be ahi (fire), kai (food), storytelling, and a fantastic lineup of performers including Kirsten Te Rito, Aotearoa Allstars, Majic, Kura Kaupapa nga Mokopuna, Awerangi Thompson, Nikau Te Huki, James Kereama Stent and Tui Tahere-Katene, and Taki Toru.
Friday 2 and Saturday 3 July
Pōneke
More info/ticketing information here
Nikau Te Huki performing live music as part of Ahi Kā 2020 Credit: Stephen A'Court Photography Photo: ©Stephen A'Court Photography
Maisey Rika
Award-winning artist Maisey Rika performs as part of Matariki Lighting The Beacons Festival.
Maisey is set to bring a "musical palette of Te Reo, folk, acoustic, soul and easy listening with elements of deep culture that has traversed many seas bringing her International stardom but grounded in Aotearoa.”
A musical experience not to be missed.
July 24
Ōtaki
More info/ticketing information here
Tuawahine
Ria Hall has curated a special show for Matariki – an all-woman event featuring Anika Moa, Annie Crummer, Tami Neilson, and more . The show is called Tuawahine and will honour the country’s korokoro tūī who have carved a path helping to create one of the most vibrant and diverse musical communities in the world.
July 2
Tāmaki Makaurau
More info/ticketing information here
Ria Hall Photo: supplied
Community Singalong Under The Stars
ICU leads a community evening of waiata at Te Rauparaha Arena. ICU is a group of local musicians from a range of bands, who have come together to perform sing-along classics for you and your whānau.
Get cozy under the stars with AV Media spectacular light display, and enjoy a sing-along and a boogie.
July 4
Porirua
More info/ticketing information here
Photo:
Kapa Haka Showcase
Celebrate the art of kapa haka at The Art Centre with performances from local kapa haka groups; Ngā Manu A Tāne and Te Ahikaaroa.
The event is part of Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre's Matariki 2021 programme.
July 11
Ōtautahi
More info/ticketing information here
Photo: RNZ
Thoroughly Modern Māui
Musical Theatre favourite Rutene Spooner channels Māui into a modern-day icon- complete with rhinestones and glitter.
Filled with charmingly quick-witted songs, heartfelt storytelling, and hilarious antics, don’t miss the world premiere of this special show.
June 25 - July 1
Tāmaki Makaurau
More info/ticketing information here
Rutene Spooner for Thoroughly Modern Māui Photo: Auckland Live
Matariki on the Move: Waiata
Tap your feet to some powerful vocals from singer-songwriters HINA and Jhasmyne-Leigh. With more performers to be announced, join in for live events showcasing musical ability and vocal prowess in celebration of Matariki.
June 24 - June 26
Tāmaki Makaurau
More info/ticketing information here
Matariki Waiata On The Move 2021 Photo: Matariki Festival 2021
NZSO - Matariki
Enjoy the world premiere of Ngā Hihi o Matariki, a significant new work of symphonic proportions by composer Gareth Farr.
“‘Kua haehae ngā hihi o Matariki’ - The rays of Matariki shine brightly in a time of darkness to bring us together with hope for the future. As winter begins, we acknowledge Pūanga, heralding the rising of Matariki into the dawn.”
Lyrics by Mere Boynton and Ariana Tikao
Taonga Pūoro composition by Ariana Tikao
July 2 / July 9
Pōneke / Tāmaki Makaurau
More info/ticketing information here
NZSO Messiah 2020 Photo: Screengrab Latitude Creative
