Matariki Celebrations in Greytown
Matariki is an integral part of the celebrations during our Festival of Christmas this July. We’re marking the start of the Maori New Year with events that celebrate our cultural heritage brought to you by Greytown’s very own TiMaTa Collaborations.
Matariki Art in the Park
Greytown’s very own TiMaTa Collaborations brings you this community event celebrating Matariki Art, created by the talented art students and children of Greytown. Come and enjoy the wonderful display of artworks in the garden at Stella Bull Park. Entry is free - all welcome.
Saturday, July 3rd + 10th
10am – 3pm
Stella Bull Park, Greytown
Toi Poi (Poi Art)
Come along to learn the art of making and using poi. Enhance your wellbeing, flexibility and coordination while learning the art of poi. All in a friendly and fun environment. No previous experience necessary, you'll learn all you need to know to be able to share your new skill with your whānau. During our time together you will learn the story of poi, master the four plait, create your very own pair of poi, and learn a waiata or two.
Saturday, July 3rd + 10th
11am – 1pm
Cobblestones Museum, 169 Main Street, Greytown
$35 per person + fees, tickets available here.
Discover Matariki: the origin story
Greytown’s very own TiMaTa Collaborations brings Matariki – Te Whetū o Te Tau. What do you know about Matariki? This is an introductory presentation about Matariki – Te Whetū o Te Tau. Find out:
What is Matariki? Listen to comparative global stories.
What’s in the name? Hear how Matariki was named, the Atua story.
Who are they? An introduction to the nine stars within the Matariki cluster.
·How and when should Matariki be celebrated? Learn about traditional Matariki celebrations.
At the end of your learnings, you can head outside and see the Matariki in its full bloom. Nau mai, haere mai – everyone is welcome!
Saturday, July 3 + 10th
5pm – 5.45pm
Greytown Town Hall, Cnr McMaster and Main Street, Greytown
Tickets are available here, $5 per person (plus Eventfinda fees).
Children 12 years and under are free – maximum of 1 child per paying adult
Celebrate Matariki at Cobblestones
At Cobblestones, history will come alive every Saturday from 1pm until 5pm throughout July. There will be old-fashioned games: stilts, hobby horses, quoits, hula hoops on the lawn for the kids and a sausage sizzle plus afternoon teas for the adults. Plus each Saturday has a special historical theme.
On Saturday 10 July we're celebrating all things Matariki. Play traditional Maori games, make poi (book separately for this - search ‘Toi Poi’) and hear the origin story of Matariki from Greytown's own TiMaTa Collaborations (book separately to secure your spot).
Eat delicious stuffed kumara, hot soup and ham rolls and enjoy a mulled wine while listening to live NZ music played by local folk musician Niels Gedge. Kids can also make wooden toys to take home with them, either a wooden camera, a wooden bus, or a wooden boat. Book and pay for the wooden toy workshops here.
Saturday, July, 1pm – 5pm
Cobblestones, 169 Main Street, Greytown
Free entry to Cobblestones, but a koha/donation is greatly appreciated.
Greytown’s much-anticipated Festival of Christmas is gearing up for a show that is sure to wow all generations! For our full programme visit here. Even if Covid Level 2 restrictions continue in the Wellington region, nearly all of the events, workshops, and activities in the festival programme can go ahead.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram #greytownfestivalofchristmas for the latest up-to-date news.