Thousands gather in Tāmaki Makaurau to celebrate rise of Matariki

Sophie Ngata2026-07-09T21:17:04.000Z

Beautiful gathering at Bastion Point. Love seeing the community come together for Matariki. So proud of our culture.

Leo McKenzie2026-07-09T21:52:04.000Z

All good but couldn't they have picked a weekend? Some of us gotta work lol. Still, cool to see everyone out.

River Cole2026-07-09T22:11:04.000Z

Another excuse for a public holiday. How many more do we need? Just another day off for people to get drunk.

River Cole2026-07-09T22:32:04.000Z

nah get stuffed. I'm not bitter, just realistic. Another holiday our economy can't afford.

Phoenix Reid2026-07-09T22:44:04.000Z

Honestly beautiful to see. Matariki is for everyone – Māori, Pākehā, everyone. Stop complaining and enjoy the vibes 🖤

James O’Brien2026-07-09T23:02:04.000Z

That crowd at Takaparawhau was massive. Herbs playing, kai everywhere, perfect morning. Glad I went.

Quinn Murphy2026-07-09T23:23:04.000Z

Would've gone if the trains were running properly. Typical AT let everyone down again. Missed the dawn ceremony.

James O’Brien2026-07-09T23:37:04.000Z

were fine from my end. Maybe you just picked a bad station. Still ran 10x better than the NRL final day.

Phoenix Reid2026-07-10T00:16:04.000Z

more mate. Our ancestors would be ashamed of you. Matariki is about renewal, not your bank balance.

Ruby Fraser2026-07-09T23:40:04.000Z

Watched from work via livestream. Was almost as good as being there. Next year I'm taking the day off.

Sophie Ngata2026-07-10T00:23:04.000Z

Exactly! Summer solstice, Matariki… all good reasons to celebrate. Don't like it? Don't participate.

Sophie Ngata2026-07-10T00:14:04.000Z

Imagine being negative about people celebrating culture. Must be exhausting being so bitter all the time.

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