16 June 2023, 5:30am-9:00am, Turangawaewae Marae

Te Ohu Whakaita Charitable Trust launches the Matariki Ki Waikato festival on the nearest Friday to King Korokii Te Rata Mahuta Tawhiao Pootatau Te Wherowhero’s birth date. The moving dawn ceremony includes the ancient and sacred ceremony Hautapu (acknowledging the ascension of Matariki). Guests will join Te Ohu Whakaita Charitable Trust for a light breakfast, entertainment, and presentations on the significance of Matariki and the maramataka (Maaori lunar calendar).

17 June 2023, 6pm-9pm, The Meteor

The Matariki Ki Waikato Festival's number one rangatahi event returns to The Meteor this year! Showcasing the latest and greatest talents from around the Waikato, Whiti 2023 is your chance to get your finger on the pulse of what's hot, with a range of acts from those who are just starting out to some established local artists. As always, we've got the mics ready for you to come in and share your awesomeness on the fly! Be it theatre, music, spoken word, or anything else that doesn't quite fit, WHITI is a safe space for you to share your talents.

9 July 2023, 11:30am-2:30pm, Hamilton Gardens Turtle Lake

Historically Māori used Kites as a communication tool. Symbolically, kites reaching up to the stars spiritually connecting heaven and earth. The Friends of Hamilton Gardens host a FREE Kite Day for children to encourage families and the community to connect. This event has been apart of the Matariki Ki Waikato Winter Festival korowai since 2017.

This FREE fun event will also include FREE face painting, bouncy castles, and sausage sizzles.

15 July 2023, 4pm-8pm, Hamilton Lake Domain

On behalf of Te Ohu Whakaita Charitable Trust, TKD EVENTS LTD in collaboration with Food Truck League will manage Matariki ki Waikato Market 2023 at Maanawatia a Matariki hosted by Hamilton City Council.

Maanawatia a Matariki is about coming together to celebrate the rising of the star cluster Matariki that marks our Maaori New Year. The arrival of Matariki  is a sign for people to gather and celebrate new life, remember those who’ve passed and to plan for the future.