Kai & Kōrero - A Matariki Celebration
A Matariki celebration at Matakana Village
Join us at Matakana Village for Kai & Kōrero, a warm and welcoming Matariki celebration for the whole whānau.
Held on Sunday 5 July 2026, this free community event brings together karakia, kapa haka, live music, storytelling, hands-on workshops, local makers, kai and connection across the Village.
This year’s celebration is all about coming together — sharing kai, listening to kōrero, celebrating tamariki and local talent, and enjoying the people and places that make Matakana Village so special.
Event details
Date: Sunday 5 July 2026
Time: 11am–3pm
Where: Matakana Village
Entry: Free event, all welcome
Event programme
11am – Welcome & Karakia with Ringi Brown, Ngāti Manuhiri
11am – Market opens
12pm – Community entertainment and performances
12.15pm–1.15pm – Shot Bro – Rob Mokaraka at Matakana Village Cinemas
1pm – Kapa haka from local kura
2pm – White Chapel Jak headline performance
3pm – Event and market finish
Please note: programme timings may be subject to small changes.
White Chapel Jak headline performance
We’re thrilled to welcome White Chapel Jak as this year’s headline act.
Loved by the local community and known for their high-energy live shows, White Chapel Jak have a special connection to Matakana Village, having started out performing at the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market. They’ll be playing a full headline set from 2pm, bringing the day to a joyful close.
Shot Bro – Rob Mokaraka
As part of Kai & Kōrero, Shot Bro – Rob Mokaraka will share a powerful kōrero at Matakana Village Cinemas from 12.15pm–1.15pm.
Rob is known for his compassionate, honest and often humorous approach to suicide awareness. This is an important and meaningful session, with space afterwards for those who would like to stay, reflect and have a cuppa.
Weaving workshops
A special Matariki weaving workshop will be held outside UNITY Collection, with sessions running from 9am–11am and 11am–2pm.
Participants will learn to make earrings and baskets in a hands-on workshop. Spaces are limited and bookings are required.
Book here: https://unitycollection.co.nz/collections/whare-kainga-homeware/products/weaving-workshops-matariki
Matariki book signing
We’re also excited to welcome Miriama Kamo for a Matariki book signing at UNITY Collection.
Miriama is a much-loved New Zealand broadcaster, author and storyteller, and we’re delighted to have her joining the day as part of the wider Kai & Kōrero celebration.
Activities around the Village
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a range of family-friendly activities and Village experiences, including:
Face painting by Amanda from Magical Moments, 11am–1pm
Weaving workshops outside UNITY Collection
Matariki book signing with Miriama Kamo at UNITY Collection
Matariki Remembrance Tree
Community entertainment
Local schools kapa haka
Market stalls
Kai, coffee and sweet treats
Retail, galleries and cinema experiences across Matakana Village
Friday 10 July: Matariki public holiday cinema screening
Matakana Village Cinemas is also planning a special free screening on Friday 10 July, the Matariki public holiday.
The cinema will screen Marlon Williams: Ngā Ao E Rua – Two Worlds in the morning, with the time to be confirmed. Toy Story 5 will screen in Cinema 2 at the same time, giving tamariki and whānau another way to enjoy the public holiday in the Village.
More details to come.
Make a day of it
Come early, bring the whānau, enjoy the market, grab a coffee, stay for the performances and explore the shops, eateries and galleries throughout Matakana Village.
Kai & Kōrero is a celebration of culture, community and connection — and everyone is welcome.