Stars align for Te Huihui-o-Matariki in Whakatū Nelson

Nelson will celebrate its first Matariki public holiday with a community festival on Friday 24 June from 5pm–8pm featuring live performances, including special guest Ria Hall (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Te Whānau ā Apanui, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Waikato).

Previously held at Founders Heritage Park, the fourth annual Te Huihui-o-Matariki hosted by Nelson City Council is now moving to Rutherford Park and the Trafalgar Centre due to popular demand.
 
Performances on stage in the Trafalgar Centre will feature local kapa haka and Pasifika groups, as well as multi award-winning bilingual singer Ria Hall.
 
Hall is a powerful live performer, crafting an experience that showcases her enormous vocal range. Kapa haka has significantly influenced Hall as a singer; she performed with the renowned Te Waka Huia. Hall has collaborated extensively with the likes of Tiki Taane, Stan Walker, Rob Ruha and is a long-serving member of Fly My Pretties. Her discography includes her self-titled EP Ria Hall, Rules of Engagement and Manawa Wera. Her genre of music is described as “roots/neo soul” with influences of hip-hop inspired by the political, social and racial climate.
 
There will be a variety of arts, crafts and kai available for purchase from the Mākete Pō night market along the Maitai River, and families can enjoy a range of outdoor entertainment like waka ama, outdoor light art displays and fireworks.
 
Mayor Rachel Reese says this will be an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate New Zealand’s first public holiday for Matariki.
 
“Te Huihui-o-Matariki is an incredibly fun evening for whānau to enjoy. It’s an opportunity for the community to learn more about kaupapa Māori and celebrate our region’s diversity with food and entertainment from different cultures.” 
 
The evening will conclude with a special firework display in Rutherford Park. 
 
Koha entry will be donated to the New Zealand Red Cross to support the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.  
 
Those attending are encouraged to travel on foot, bike, bus or carpool.
 
Remember to care for your community by following COVID-19 protocols. If you are unwell, please stay at home.

Matariki Festival, Te Huihui-o-Matariki 2022 

• Location: Trafalgar Centre and Rutherford Park
• Date: Friday 24 June 2022
• Time: Mākete Pō (night market) opens at 5pm. Entertainment in Trafalgar Centre opens at 5.30pm. Evening concludes with fireworks at 8pm.
• Cost: Koha/gold coin entry, donated to the New Zealand Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal