Celebrate Matariki
on Jackson Street

Join the Matariki Mask Hunt these school holidays

Honouring our past, celebrating our present, inspiring our future.

These July school holidays, bring the tamariki to Petone and discover the story of Matariki along Jackson Street. Over 30 Matariki stars are in windows up and down the street (you need to find the 9), and it’s your family’s job to find them all.

It’s a free, fun, and easy way to spend a morning together, learn a little about the Māori New Year, and go in the draw to win prizes. Matariki falls on Friday 10 July this year, right in the middle of the hunt, so there’s no better time to visit.

What is Matariki?

Matariki marks the Māori New Year. Each mid-winter, the Matariki star cluster rises in the early morning sky, signalling a time to pause and reflect on the year that has passed, to remember loved ones who are no longer with us, to give thanks for what we have, and to look to the stars with hope for the year ahead.

Many people grew up believing there were seven stars in the cluster, but there are actually nine, and each one watches over a different part of our world, from the fresh water and the ocean to the forests, the winds, and the food we grow. Learning their names and their stories is a lovely way to share Matariki with children.

Whāia te māramatanga – seek the knowledge.

The Matariki Mask Hunt – how it works

When: These school holidays, 4-26 July.

What: Find all nine Matariki stars hidden along Jackson Street.

Who: Everyone’s welcome. There are two age categories so it’s fair for all – 4 to 9 years and 10 years and over.

Getting your booklet: Pick up a free activity booklet (remember to bring your own pen) from any of these spots, or download and print one from this page:

• The Historic Police Station – 274B Jackson Street
• Bin Inn Petone
• Petone Library

Entering the draw: Once you’ve tracked down all nine stars and finished your booklet, pop it into the entry box outside the Historic Police Station. Winners will be contacted by 28 July.

Meet the nine stars of Matariki

As you make your way along Jackson Street, see if you can find each of these nine stars. Here’s what they represent:

• Matariki – the star that gives the cluster its name. A time for reflection, coming together, and the wellbeing of people and the environment.
• Pōhutukawa – the star that remembers those who have passed on since the last rising of Matariki.
• Tupuānuku – the star connected to the food that grows in the ground, the kai we plant and harvest.
• Tupuārangi – the star connected to the food that grows up high, the fruits, berries, and birds of the forest.
• Waitī – the star connected to fresh water, our rivers, lakes, and streams, and the life they hold.
• Waitā – the star connected to the ocean, the sea, and the kai gathered from it.
• Waipuna-ā-rangi – the star connected to the rain, the showers and downpours that fall from the sky.
• Ururangi – the star connected to the winds.
• Hiwa-i-te-rangi – the wishing star, where we send our hopes and dreams for the year ahead.

Let’s explore, learn, and celebrate together

The Matariki Mask Hunt is a simple, family-friendly way to enjoy the school holidays, discover Jackson Street, and share in one of Aotearoa’s most meaningful times of year. Grab a booklet, wrap up warm, and make a morning of it, there’s plenty of great coffee and kai along the street to keep everyone going.

Proudly celebrating Matariki along Jackson Street.

It’s worth the journey.