24 Dungarvon Street, Wānaka (03) 443 7805 hello@mymessenger.co.nz mymessenger.co.nz Volume XLVIII | No. 24 | 01 July 2026
CELEBRATE MATARIKI ON WANAKA’S LAKEFRONT Hangi, kapa haka, bonfires and live performances. Wānaka’s lakefront will once again be the setting for a special gathering on Friday, 10 July from 2.00pm, as Kāhu Youth invites the community to gather and celebrate Matariki with kapa haka, bonfires, hāngi, and live performances. Matariki celebrates the rising of the Te Kāhui o Matariki star cluster and is guided by three key principles: remembrance – honouring those who have passed; celebration – giving thanks for the present; and looking to the future – embracing renewal and hope. It’s a time to reflect, connect and celebrate te ao Māori and the richness of Māori culture, values and traditions. A delicious hāngi will be served from 5.00pm, with presales beginning from 2.00pm. Organisers encourage people to get in early, as last year’s hāngi sold out. Throughout the afternoon and evening, kapa haka groups will perform on the community stage, while kaumātua Darren Rewi will share live storytelling of local Māori legends.
MCs Paul Tamati, Ryan Enoka and Toby Brown will guide the audience through the meaning of Matariki and help bring the celebrations together. Rangatahi can relax and enjoy the atmosphere at the Kāhu Youth Pop-Up Youth Centre, while tamariki can take part in interactive Matariki-themed crafts and stories in the Tamariki Interactive Marquee.
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Visitors will also have the chance to join Te Kākano for a weaving workshop, creating harakeke stars, while bonfires along the lakefront provide a warm gathering place throughout the event. A giant bubble show, always a favourite with tamariki, takes place at 4.40pm.
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The evening will also feature a community waiata, with everyone invited to join together along the lakefront at 5.30pm to sing Ko Te Whirika. Fire dancers will round out the celebrations, creating a memorable close to this special community event. Submitted by Kāhu Youth Trust
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