Before dawn this Friday, a shimmering trail of lights weaving its way up the path to the star compass atop Mauao is marking a deeply moving moment for those taking part in a heartfelt remembrance of loved ones who have passed.

Celestial navigator Jack Thatcher will lead the Matariki Maumaharatanga event at Mauao summit from 6am-8am on Friday.

The word Maumaharatanga translates to memorial, monument, memory or recollection, said Thatcher.

“Matariki is a time to remember those who have passed, to look toward the future, and to be present with our loved ones.

“While Tauranga Moana celebrates Te Mātahi o Te Tau [Māori New Year] on May 28, 2025, on the morning of our national holiday, June 20, we acknowledge and remember loved ones who have passed in the year.”

Families and friends who are grieving are invited to place their hands on the monument Te Tapuātea o Mauao and call out the names of their loved ones.

The Atea-ā-Rangi (star compass) was unveiled on Mauao in 2022 by Ngā Poutiriao o Mauao Trust, in partnership with Te Puna I Rangiriri Trust.

“This ceremony offers a special way to remember those who have passed, acknowledging them as whetū – stars in the night sky who continue to watch over us,” Thatcher said.

A range of Matariki events are taking place across the Bay of Plenty.

Te Haka a Toi – Mataatua me Tākitimu ki Tauranga Secondary School Regional Kapahaka was held at Mercury Baypark from 8am today, June 19.

The matARiki Sculpture Trail 2025 is at Masonic Park/Wharf St, Tauranga CBD; Te Papa o ngā Manu Porotakataka, Mount Maunganui; and Western Bay Museum in Katikati until July 7. Ngāi Tūkairangi Trust’s Matariki Exhibition is on June 20-22 at Hungahungatoroa Club, Matapihi.

Katikati’s Te Rereatukahia Marae is hosting the Reading of the Stars community event tonight, June 19, to gather, listen, connect and understand the star cluster Pleiades, from 5pm. Tomorrow morning at 5.30am the third Katikati Matariki Dawn service will take place at Te Whareorahi Reserve at the end of Park Rd.

Te Kete Matariki – Te Puke’s an annual community event celebrating the Māori New Year is on tomorrow from 10am-4pm at Jubilee Park. Find more Matariki events at: www.matarikitetaurangaongawaka.co.nz