SkyCity Auckland is marking Matariki with a series of events that celebrate connection, reflection and renewal, and you’re invited, to experience the Māori New Year through art, culture, food and community.
As the Matariki constellation rises in the winter sky, the Sky Tower will once again become a striking beacon across Auckland. On the morning and evening of 10 July, animated artworks by emerging Māori artists will be projected onto the city’s most recognisable landmark, transforming the tower into a canvas for contemporary storytelling.
Supported by the SkyCity Auckland Community Trust, the projection showcase brings together acclaimed mana whenua artist Graham Tipene alongside emerging artists from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Ngā Manu a Toi, a collective grounded in tā moko and toi Māori.
This year’s artworks explore the theme Tāmaki Herenga Waka, reflecting the coming together of people in Tāmaki Makaurau. Through the projections, artists share stories of place, identity and community. Featured artists include Graham Tipene, Maraea Shaw, Arama Tamariki Shaw, Matiah Maia, Wairingiringi Toi and Kairangi Ihimaera.
Returning alongside the light display are SkyCity’s much loved Matariki Night Markets, taking over SkyCity Plaza on 3, 4, 10 and 11 July. You can enjoy a vibrant mix of Māori and Pasifika food vendors, live entertainment and kapa haka performances, along with interactive experiences including raranga weaving workshops, whakairo carving demonstrations, poi workshops and temporary moko.
The celebrations extend beyond the markets, with sunrise yoga sessions on the Sky Tower’s Main Observation Deck and a special dining experience at Metita, where a menu inspired by the Matariki stars and the traditions of Te Moana-nui-ā-Kiwa offers another way to mark the occasion.
To see all the details, and pre-book the dinner or yoga experience, click here.