The Maanawatia a Matariki festival is back for a fifth year!

A free community celebration marking the rising of Matariki and Te Maatahi o te Tau, the Maaori New Year. 

Delivered by Hamilton City Council in partnership with Matariki ki Waikato, this free event at Innes Common will be an afternoon and evening of whaanau-friendly festivities.

The 2026 programme will continue to honour the core themes of Matariki: remembering those who have passed, celebrating the present, and planning for the future. 

Enjoy a vibrant line-up of live performances, kapa haka, roaming entertainers, and interactive cultural activities. The event includes a marketplace of kai vendors, food trucks, and local stalls with a wide range of options for families.

Showing mana (respect) for the environment is built into how this event is run, including low-waste options and free public transport.

BUSIT is offering free rides on all Hamilton bus services for anyone heading to Maanawatia a Matariki, just mention the event when you get on.

To reduce waste, discounts will be available for people who bring reusable plates, cutlery and cups, with $1 off a main meal at taraka kai (food trucks) and 50c off selected items at coffee and dessert trucks.

This year’s performance line-up will be announced on the official Facebook event page and at hamilton.govt.nz/matariki