Lights are in the sky (and on the ground and everywhere in between) for Christchurch’s 2021 Matariki celebration. The central city and New Brighton are being illuminated with a series of innovative lighting installations, projections and perfomances.

Tīrama Mai, meaning to illuminate or bring light, celebrates Matariki, the people of Aotearoa and our unique local landscape. The lighting trails, created by creative minds and lighting artists of Canterbury, will be in place from Friday 25 June until Saturday 10 July, between 6pm and 11pm every night. Wrap up warm and explore around The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, Worcester Boulevard, Ōtākaro Avon River, Riverside Market, New Regent Street, Victoria Square and New Brighton Pier to discover all the mesmerising displays.

The celebration will also include live entertainment over the three weekends, including kapa haka, aerials and fire, which you can catch at the Bridge of Remembrance, in Victoria Square and at the Arts Centre Market Square. Tīrama Mai will conclude with a fireworks display at New Brighton Pier on Saturday July 10, the first time the display has taken place for Matariki.

The appearance of the Matariki star cluster – made up of nine stars – welcomes in Te Tau Hau, the Māori New Year. For those living in Te Waipounamu, the South Island, Puanga is a brighter star, rising earlier than Matariki and also considered a herald of the New Year. Some iwi celebrate Puanga rather than Matariki as Te Tau Hau. The rise of Puanga and Matariki is a time of togetherness, for reflecting on the past year, on the people who have passed and on whakapapa.

Friday 25 Jun - Saturday 10 Jul
Central Christchurch and New Brighton
ccc.govt.nz