Matariki Star Quest

Can you find them all?

As Matariki rises in the night sky, the whetū return to signal the Māori New Year - a time for remembrance, reflection, connection and hope for the future.

This year, they've journeyed beyond the night sky and into the heart of the Blockhouse Bay Village for those adventurous enough to find.

From the 27th of June, stars will appear and the quest will begin! As you explore, you'll learn about the unique meaning of each star and the connections they hold to the natural world, the people we cherish and the aspirations we carry into the year ahead. Along the way, you'll also have opportunities to earn additional entries into our Matariki prize draw by shopping at participating stores.

We invite whānau of all ages to embark on the Matariki Star Quest, culminating on the 9th of July from 5.30pm onwards with free kai, activities, prizes and the opportunity to come together in the spirit of Matariki.

We hope this journey inspires you to reflect, connect, learn and gives you a sense of belonging within our community.

Mānawatia a Matariki

How do I take part?

Pick up a Star Quest entry from or click here to enter online. Explore the Blockhouse Bay Village and find all nine stars, write down where you've found them and return your entry form to us at the Centre by 9th of July.

When does the quest take place?

Is it free?

The Star Quest runs from the 27th June - 9th July 2026

Yes! The Star Quest and community celebration on the 9th of July are all free to participate in - including the kai on the night!

How many times can I enter?

You can only enter once through the star quest however you can get additional entries by shopping at participating stores using the Blockhouse Bay Business Associations unique code found instore.

What can I win?

Participants who complete the Star Quest will go into the draw to win one of our three Matariki- themed prize baskets: Te Taiao, Te Whānau and Ngā Wawata. Check out our social media pages to see what prizes will be included!

When will the prize winners be drawn?

Prizes will be drawn on the 9th of July at our Matariki celebration. We encourage our community to attend to recieve their prize on the day, but if you're not able to make it, that's okay - we'll keep it safe until you can come and collect it.

Matariki Q&A

The Whetū

Find out more about the stars, their meaning and the art around it below

Artwork by: Movesa Collective

Matariki

Matariki is the mother star who holds her whānau together and is often associated with wellbeing, reflection and community. Matariki signals a time to pause, gather and celebrate.

To honour Matariki, take a moment to check in with yourself or a loved one, have a mid-winter feast with your people or treat yourself to a health reset.

Pōhutakawa

Pōhutawaka carries our memories of loved ones who have passed on. It is believed that when a person passes away, their spirit travels to Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga). The Pōhutakawa star acts as a celestial vessel in the night sky that cradles the memorires of those you have descended into the underworld using the roots of an ancient pōhutakawa tree.

To honour Pōhutakawa, take a moment to spend time with your whānau (family) and share stories about those of your loved ones that have passed.

Tupuānuku

Tupuānuku is connected with food and plants that grow in the soil.

To honour Tupuānuku, take a moment to garden, compost, weed or cook a meal using kumara, potatoes, onions and other kai (food) that's grown from the whenua (land).

Tupuārangi

Tupuārangi is connect with the food and wildlife that comes from above ground, connecting us to the sky, birds and tall trees.

To honour Tupuārangi, we're reminded to look up, take a moment and appreciate the birds and nature around us.

Waitī

Waitī, is connected to the fresh water and creatures that live within it. Waitī sits close to it's twin, Waitā, in the night sky to remind us that all water is connected.

To honour Waitī this Matariki, participate in a local river clean up, replant native plants and learn about fresh water conservation.

Waitā

Waitā is the twin star to Waitī and is connected to the ocean and salt water. Waitā watches over the ocean life including fish, shellfish and larger marine mammals.

To honour Waitā, learn about the marine animals within Aotearoa, organise a beach clean or spend some time enjoying a day at the beach with loved ones.

Ururangi

Ururangi is connected to the winds and translates to 'the winds of the sky'.

To honour Ururangi this Matariki, fly a kite, make a wind chime or spend a moment feeling the wind around you.

Waipuna-ā-rangi

Waipuna-ā-rangi is connected to the rain, mist and snow and feeds our rivers and lands. Alongside its close neighbour, it prepares the environment for the coming seasons.

To honour Waipuna-ā-rangi, embrace your inner child and jump in a puddle, enjoy a hot chocolate on a rainy afternoon or make a kōpapa wai (water tank) to feed your garden.

Hiwa i te rangi

Hiwa-i-te-rangi is connected to wishes, dreams and aspirations. Hiwa-i-te-rangi looks for people who are ready to put in the mahi (work) to make their dreams come true and is waiting for you to write your next chapter.

To honour Hiwa-i-te-rangi, have a vision board party, write a letter to your future self or take a moment to plan for the year ahead.