Matariki Light Up Hikurangi ’26

Name: Light Up Hikurangi ’26 – Matariki Celebrations
Start: 2026-07-10T16:30:00+12:00
End: 2026-07-10T19:30:00+12:00
Location: Hikurangi Memorial Hall & Village Centre

Friday 10 July | 4:30pm – 7:30pm

Hikurangi Memorial Hall & Village Centre • Free Community Event

At Matariki, the village of Hikurangi lights up and welcomes you, one and all, to share this special time with us. Shop lights glowing, music drifting through the streets, kids laughing, kaumātua sharing stories, and the whole community gathering together over kai, markets, performances, art and good company under the winter sky.

Light Up Hikurangi returns for its third year as one of the most loved Matariki events in the Whangārei area, bringing people together to honour the Māori New Year in a warm, vibrant, family‑friendly atmosphere.

View the event listing

Light up your business competition

What to Expect

A lively evening across the hall and village centre, including:

A great mix of food vendors and winter warmers
Market stalls inside and outside the hall
Local entertainment and a festive atmosphere
Tamariki activities and family‑friendly spaces
Community stalls and local makers
The crowd‑favourite hay ride thanks to Rouse Motorcycles

The Meaning of Matariki

Matariki is a time for reflection, connection and celebration. It carries the values that guide our gathering:

Aroha (Love)
Whakamaumaharatanga (Remembrance)
Kotahitanga (Unity)
Manaakitanga (Caring)
Tohatoha (Sharing)
Mana taiao (Environmental Awareness)
Kaihaukai (Feasting)
Wānanga (Discussion)
Noho tahi (Coming together)
Ngākau atawhai (Kindness)
Whakanui (Celebration)
Taukiritanga (Identity)

These values shape the heart of Light Up Hikurangi, a night of aroha, remembrance, unity and coming together.

2025 Highlights

Matariki Art Gallery – Tamariki Art Around the Community

New for 2026, we’re introducing a Matariki Art Gallery, a colourful display of children’s artwork showcased around Hikurangi in the lead‑up to the festival and throughout the event.

To help spark creativity, we’ve created Matariki‑themed colouring sheets that tamariki can complete at home or school. Finished artworks can be dropped into Hikurangi Friendship House before Matariki, ready to be included in the community‑wide gallery.

It’s a simple, joyful way for kids to be part of the celebrations and see their mahi displayed proudly around the village.

Matariki Star

Matariki Colouring Page

Matariki Colouring Page 2

After‑Event Fun at the Hikurangi Hotel

The celebrations don’t end at 7.30pm, karaoke and good times continue afterwards at the Hikurangi Hotel, keeping the Matariki spirit going into the night.