Theme for Matariki celebrations 2026: Matariki herenga waka

Matariki herenga waka

For everyone

Literal translation into English: Matariki is a mooring place for all canoes

‘Matariki herenga waka’ is an adaptation of the proverb ‘Tāmaki herenga waka’ which means ‘Tāmaki the gathering place of many canoes’. Tāmaki is the name for the greater Auckland area, and today it is home to many people from across the globe. In 2026 the National Matariki celebration will take place in Tāmaki and will be hosted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

The phrase Matariki herenga waka honours the connection to the Tāmaki region while at the same time highlighting the relationship between Tāmaki, Matariki, and canoes. Auckland is often referred to as the city of sails and Matariki is part of a large star constellation called ‘Te Waka o Rangi’ the canoe of Rangi. However, the deeper meaning of this phrase is, Tāmaki is a home to everyone and Matariki has a connection to all people. 

Matariki herenga waka – For everyone 

This year’s theme of Matariki herenga waka is all about inclusion and encouraging all people to celebrate Matariki together. 

The phrase, Matariki herenga waka is interconnected with the central iwi of Tāmaki and speaks to the diversity that underpins the Auckland region. 

The theme has strong connections to multi-culturalism and the sharing of cultural practices. 

We can all connect to the core values of Matariki and embrace the celebration of the holiday. 

The Māori New Year is a time of reflection, celebration, and preparation. It is a time to remember loved ones, come together with whānau to give thanks to what we have and look forward to the promise of a new year. While the theme changes from year to year the values of reflection, celebration and preparation remain the same. 

People are encouraged to come together to learn, to share and to celebrate Matariki and the Māori new year. 

Mātauranga (traditional knowledge) is not held by one person in one place – it is held by many people across the motu as well as the wider Pacific. We can all play a part in learning and sharing mātauranga at both a regional, national and even international level. The celebration of Matariki as a national holiday in French Polynesia Tahiti is one example of how people can come together and share their own experiences and knowledge.

This Press Release was first published by the MInistry of Culture and Heritage, Dec 2025