Storytelling and celebration at Tātai Whetū, Tātai Tangata
Christchurch City Council Newsline: 8th June 2026
Mark the rise of Puaka and the Matariki star cluster at Tātai Whetū, Tātai Tangata, a free festival of artistic, cultural and lighting displays and activities in the central city this July.
Tātai Whetū, Tātai Tangata is a gathering of stars and people – formerly known as Tirama Mai – that takes place in the central city over four days and nights from Wednesday 8th July to Saturday 11th July 2026.
The official Matariki holiday is on Friday 10th July this year.
A special programme of events will be happening in and around the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, along Worcester Boulevard to Oxford Terrace and at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre.
Since its inception five years ago the Christchurch City Council-produced Tirama Mai festival has evolved to become a central focal point for Matariki storytelling and celebration in Ōtautahi.
As the festival enters a new phase in 2026 with Tātai Whetū, Tātai Tangata, a number of popular installations from previous years will be returning, and some brand-new works are being developed by local artists and designers, bringing contemporary interpretations of Puanga Matariki to life.
“We will have a new projection onto the Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings by artists Sam Emerson (Ngāi Tahu) and Bea Gladding (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou) exploring southern environments - Antarctica, the southern islands and southern lights,” says Christchurch City Council Arts and Events Manager Lucy Blackmore.
“Other new works on the Art Gallery Forecourt include three light installations with reprints of work by Ngāi Tahu artist Kate Stevens West, while a projection of artworks from Areta Wilkinson (Ngāi Tahu) and Gavin Bishop (Tainui, Ngāti Awa) will explore the story from Te Kore to Te Pō to the time before separation of Papatūānuku and Ranginui.
“A programme of special events and activities will be happening between 5 - 9pm each day including talks from astro photographers, weaving and carving demonstrations, films, dance performances and more,” Ms Blackmore says.
“Come together with whānau and friends to enjoy the Matariki period – a time for reflection, rest, cultural learning and celebration of the coming year.”
Tātai Whetū, Tātai Tangata is supported by Orion and Connetics, alongside Trees for Canterbury
Find more information about Tātai Whetū, Tātai Tangata.