A wonderful calendar of Matariki events are kicking off this weekend at The Historic Village!

The Incubator Creative Hub will launch their Matariki celebrations this Saturday, June 17, with a special Whānau Day.

'There's so many things that excite me,” says Incubator Creative Hub director Simone Anderson. Saturday's Whānau Day will feature food, market stalls, Maori performance, exhibitions and more! 'There's two new kaupapa māori boutiques opening on the [launch] day like harakeke workshops happening in the cinema. There's an opportunity for people to remember their loved ones, and lots of the villagers are participating this year so we're making it more of an inclusive village-wide event.”

Simone says this year's Matariki's celebrations are set to be even greater than last year too. 'We were overwhelmed with the response to our 2022 celebrations,” says Simone. 'The size of the crowds and the level of interest and engagement was beyond our expectations and was fitting way to celebrate our country embracing and celebrating Matariki as a recognised significant month to celebrate, learn and reflect on the principles of Matariki. We want to continue that tradition and make it bigger and better every year, so this year is going to be great!

'I'm really looking forward to the fact that the village has all come together, united in this occasion. That's really exciting for us.”

The Whānau Day is 9am-2pm tomorrow, June 17, at The Historic Village. Check out the Incubator Creative Hub's full Matariki programme at: https://www.theincubator.co.nz/matariki-2023-1