Celebrate Matariki with Manawatū Community Hub Libraries this Māori New Year, from 22 June – 11 July, with a range of activities including weaving, community morning tea and craft, rongoā, family quiz night, whetū installation, tamariki tales with Alan Dingley, and more.

Community Memory Wall
22 June – 27 June
An interactive display at Te Āhuru Mōwai where members of the community can share memories of loved ones and places that are no longer with us.

Harakeke Flower Weaving Workshop
22 June, Monday | 11.00am – 12.30pm
A free weaving workshop where community members can learn how to weave flax flowers.
Registration required - 15 spaces available (https://mdc.jonasleisure.com.au/Ticket/Buy)
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult

Whetū and Food – Community Morning Tea & Craft
29 June, Monday | 10.30am – 12.00pm
Enjoy light refreshments, connection, and creativity while decorating whetū (stars) to become part of a special Matariki installation in the library.

Whetū Installation
22 June – 11 July
An interactive installation where visitors to Te Āhuru Mōwai can decorate a star and add it to a collaborative display within the hub.

Pono Weaving Workshop
2 July, Thursday | 5.00pm – 7.00pm
A free weaving workshop for community members with some prior weaving experience who would like to extend their skills by weaving a basket.
Registration required - (https://mdc.jonasleisure.com.au/Ticket/Buy)
8 spaces available
Ages 16+

Family Quiz Night
A fun evening of family togetherness, pizza and friendly competition.
Think you have got the brains in the family? Or are the kids secretly the smartest ones in the house? Come find out at Manawatu Community Hub Libraries Family Quiz Night.

Date: Saturday 4th July
Time: 6:00PM – 8:00PM
Info: Teams of up to 6 (must include at least 1 adult + 1 child)
$35 per team – includes pizza + soft drinks!
Location: Manawatū Community Hub Libraries at Te Āhuru Mōwai, 64 Stafford Street, Feilding
Registration required - (https://mdc.jonasleisure.com.au/Ticket/Buy)

Rongoā Workshop
6 July, Monday | 10.00am – 11.30am
A free workshop where participants can learn the basics of rongoā Māori (traditional Māori healing and herbal remedies) and make their own kawakawa balm.
Registration required - (https://mdc.jonasleisure.com.au/Ticket/Buy)
20 spaces available
Please note: Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tamariki Tales with Alan Dingley
7 July, Tuesday | 10.00am – 11.30am
A free storytelling workshop where children can learn the art of storytelling with Alan Dingley.
Registration required - (https://mdc.jonasleisure.com.au/Ticket/Buy)
20 spaces available
Ages 8–12

Children’s Flax Weaving Workshops
8 July, Wednesday
Free weaving workshops for children to learn how to weave whetū (stars), putiputi (flowers), and bracelets.

Registration required - (https://mdc.jonasleisure.com.au/Ticket/Buy)

Workshop One
10.00am – 11.00am
Whetū & Putiputi
10 spaces available
Ages 5–8
Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

Workshop Two
11.30am – 12.30pm
Whetū & Putiputi
15 spaces available
Ages 8–10

Workshop Three
1.30pm – 2.30pm
Whetū, Putiputi & Bracelets
15 spaces available
Ages 10+

Matariki is a time to reflect, celebrate, and prepare for the year ahead. It is an opportunity to remember loved ones, come together with whānau and community, share gratitude, and look forward with hope.

For more details visit: https://www.mchl.co.nz/whats-on/matariki-herenga-waka-for-everyone