Mataraki Herenga Waka 2026—Hautapu

We invite students, staff, and whānau of our university community to join us for our annual Matariki Hautapu ceremony.

Hunter Lawn, Kelburn campus, Victoria University of Wellington


Description

This year’s theme, Matariki Herenga Waka, acknowledges the many people, kaupapa and relationships that bind us together as a university community, and celebrates the rising of Matariki as a time for remembrance, renewal, and collective aspiration.

Join us at 6 am, for a 6.30 am start.

A light breakfast at Ngā Mokopuna will follow the ceremony.

RSVP for the Hautapu


Learn the waiata before our Matariki Hautapu

We'd love for everyone to join in the singing during our Matariki Hautapu ceremony. Please find the lyrics and video below and, if possible, spend a little time becoming familiar with them before the day.

No worries if you're still learning—we welcome all voices as we come together to celebrate Matariki.

Mānawa maiea matariki e
Mānawa maiea te ariki o te rangi e
Mānawa maiea te matahi o te tau
Mānawa tia
Matariki e
Matariki e
Matariki e

Mānawa maiea matariki e
Mānawa maiea te ariki o te rangi e
Mānawa maiea te matahi o te tau
Mānawa tia (Ooh, ooh)
Matariki e (Ooh, ooh)
Matariki e (Ooh, ooh)
Matariki e

Manawa maiea Matariki.