Celebrate Matariki and Puaka at Christchurch City Libraries

Spend time with your whānau (family) and mark the Māori New Year at Christchurch City Libraries.

The annual month-long celebration is underway throughout the libraries network and will be packed with activities, workshops and afterschool zones.

“It’s shaping up to be an action-packed programme with an aim of encouraging tamariki to engage with Matariki celebrations,” says Head of Libraries and Information Carolyn Robertson.

“We invite all community members to explore Christchurch’s libraries network and all the events on offer throughout the month.”

Celebrate the Māori New Year through Matariki-themed stories and After School Activity Zones across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula on each libraries dedicated day. There will also be a free Matariki story time at Te Puna o Waiwhetū Christchurch Art Gallery from 10.30 – 11am Thursday 6 June.

Join fabric artist, Ron Te Kawa, for two free workshops creating star stories on Thursday 6 June at 6pm and Wednesday 12 June at 4pm at Tūranga (bookings required), and a drop in workshop creating star story badges on Sunday 9 June at the Art Gallery.

Drop into Linwood Library with your pre-schooler for Waiata Rongonui with a Matariki twist on Wednesday 12 and 26 June and enjoy bilingual waiata Māori (Māori songs).

Bring your gardening gloves and enthusiasm to the New Brighton Library on Saturday 15 June for Matariki Just Another Dune Day. Have a kōrero (chat) with Park Ranger Jason before heading out to plant from 10am – 12.30pm.

Celebrate Matariki by Raranga Whetū (weaving stars) with paper at Fendalton Library on Thursday 27 June, and join the Māori Library Services at He Waka Tapu on Saturday 15 June, Tūranga on 22 June for more storytelling, crafts and Matariki activities and Rehua Marae the following weekend.

View the full event programme for Mānawatia a Matariki me Puaka – Celebrating Matariki here.