In early June the star cluster Matariki (the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters) will reappear in our dawn skies, staying for almost 12 months. The Maori New Year begins with the first new moon after Matariki’s reappearance and, from 10 June, Te Papa is bringing this special celebratory period to all people of Aotearoa New Zealand with an 18-day Matariki Festival.

The theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Waka – the journeying and coming together of people’, resonates throughout Te Papa’s exciting Matariki events programme, which includes a comedy extravaganza, modern and traditional music and dance, Star Lab sessions, and special activities for children.

Seven specially selected taonga (treasures) will be on display on Rongomaraeroa, Te Papa’s marae on Level 4. For Maori ancestors, Matariki’s stars foretold whether it would be an abundant or lean season for food. The taonga on display, used in gathering, harvesting, and preserving of traditional foods, are a window on the past and demonstrate the skill, ingenuity, and knowledge of Maori ancestors. One of Te Papa’s curators will give free floortalks on 10 & 17 June, exploring the ways in which these unique taonga were used.

Don’t miss the Seven Sisters and Seven Brothers concerts featuring Bella Kalolo and Leon Wharekura, and a dozen other top home-grown performers, or the Matariki arts and crafts village where Maori and Pacific artists will display traditional jewellery, and demonstrate their skills in weaving, carving, and ta moko.

2010 sees the return of the hugely popular Kaumatua Kapa Haka on Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 June. Featuring senior performing groups from across Aotearoa New Zealand, this event is a unique opportunity to see popular items performed by leading exponents of the art. Can’t make it to Te Papa? This event will be streamed live on the internet to communities around the country and the world on www.tepapa.govt.nz/kapahaka – so tell your family and friends, and join us as the drama and magic of this remarkable event unfolds.

The annual Matariki Gala at Te Papa has become a highlight of Wellington's social calendar, bringing together the city's cultural, artistic, and corporate communities to celebrate the Maori New Year.

This year's event features a stellar line-up of entertainers, including Nga Tai e Wha performing all time Maori favourites; Samuel Family Dancers tapping up a storm; Bella Kalolo belting out edgy soul; Nga Divo Maori singing opera classics; and Leon Wharekura and band taking you through to midnight. Seats are limited and reservations are essential. Call Sonya Davis on (04) 3817006, or email at sonyad@tepapa.govt.nz to book. All bookings will be confirmed upon receipt of payment. A percentage of all ticket sales will be donated to the Matariki Education Fund. The fund provides Te Papa with the ability to offer an educational experience to children who would otherwise miss out on such an opportunity.

Other highlights include the fun-filled Te Huka a Tai Whanau Day on Sunday 20 June with storytelling, games, and hands-on crafts for all the family; the opening weekend of Paperskin: the art of tapa cloth, featuring a moko village, Pacific dance, a fashion show, and tapa demonstrations; and taonga puoro (traditional Maori musical instruments) performances.

Te Papa thanks the following companies and organisations for their generous support of the Matariki Festival at Te Papa: NZ Post, TelstraClear, The Southern Trust, Te Puni Kokiri, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, Te Mangai Paho, and Wellington City Council. Te Papa also welcomes Matariki Education Fund sponsor, Crown Forestry Rental Trust.

Matariki is a time to reflect, and a time to spend with family and friends – a time to appreciate the people around us. Come and celebrate the Maori New Year at Te Papa!

Visit www.tepapa.govt.nz/matariki for a full list of events.