Celebrate Matariki With Us
Join us for a free day of creativity, culture and community as we celebrate Matariki at Te Puru Community Centre.
Hosted by Te Puru Community Centre and Pohutukawa Coast Arts Hub, this family-friendly event brings together local artists, schools, performers and our wider community to celebrate the Māori New Year.
Spend the day exploring local artwork, enjoying live performances, taking part in free activities and sharing delicious kai with friends and whānau.
Whether you're entering the art competition, creating something new, supporting local performers or simply coming along to enjoy the atmosphere, everyone is welcome.
Event Details
Date: Saturday 11 July 2026
Time: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Location: Te Puru Community Centre, 954 Whitford-Maraetai Road, Beachlands
Entry: Free
Suitable for: All ages
What’s Happening on the Day
10:00am – 12:00pm
Community Art Exhibition
Explore artwork from local young artists. People’s Choice voting closes at 12:00pm.
12:00pm – 3:00pm
Matariki Village
Free activities for the whole whānau, including flax weaving, poi making, wooden star decorating and family games.
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Mama’s Hāngī
Traditional hāngī available to purchase and collect. Pre-orders recommended.
12:00pm – 6:00pm
Te Puru Clubrooms Open
Relax with a coffee or drink and enjoy great company throughout the day.
3:00pm – 4:00pm
Community Performances
Featuring Pohutukawa Coast Community Choir, Maraetai Beach School and Beachlands School.
4:00pm
Matariki Art Competition Prize Giving
Celebrate the winners of the art competition, including the People’s Choice Award.
4:00pm – 6:00pm
Community Kai & Social Time
Stay after prize giving, enjoy kai and celebrate Matariki together.
Matariki Art Competition
The Matariki Art Competition is open to young artists across East Franklin.
Artwork will be displayed as part of the Community Art Exhibition, with visitors able to vote for the People’s Choice Award on the day.
Art Exhibition: 10:00am – 12:00pm
People’s Choice voting closes: 12:00pm
Prize Giving: 4:00pm
Mama’s Hāngī
Mama’s Hāngī will be available to purchase and collect from 12:00pm – 4:00pm.
Options include hāngī, fried bread, steamed pudding and custard.
Pre-orders are recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, this is a free community event.
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No registration is required—everyone is welcome to come along.
To help us plan for the day and accommodate numbers, we'd appreciate it if you could RSVP via our Facebook Event by selecting "Interested" or "Going".
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Yes, Mama’s Hāngī will be available from 12:00pm – 4:00pm. Pre-orders are recommended.
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Yes, voting is open during the Art Exhibition and closes at 12:00pm.
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Yes, the event is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
