Inaugural Matariki Night Market Shines Bright

Published on 20 July 2026

The Waitaki District Youth Council has every reason to celebrate after the successful launch of its very first Matariki Night Market – an event created by youth, for youth, that brought the community together for an evening of connection, culture and fun.

Determined to mark Matariki in a meaningful way, the Youth Council formed a dedicated project team made up of young people aged between 12 and 17. The group worked alongside community partners and local organisations to bring their vision to life.

The result was a vibrant community event that attracted hundreds of people and transformed the evening into a lively celebration of food, whānau, connection and reflection.

One of the highlights of the night was a talk from local astronomer Damien McNamara, who explained how to spot the famous star cluster in the night sky. Visitors could also follow a specially designed “star trail” around the market, learning about the significance of each individual star along the way.

There was plenty to see and do throughout the evening. Families and friends gathered to enjoy everything from hot food to cold ice creams, while activity stations offered opportunities to try harakeke weaving, snap a photo in the Matariki-themed photo frame, and take part in a range of fun games.

A meaningful feature of the event was the opportunity to hang stars on a special net installation created by the Forrester Gallery & Mahika Kai Mahika Toi Arts and Culture Educator.

Community members used the stars to remember loved ones who had passed away or to share their hopes and aspirations for the future – reflecting the themes of remembrance, celebration and renewal that sit at the heart of Matariki. The net is now installed at the Gallery for people to continue to attach stars when they call in to visit the exhibitions.

Behind the scenes, Youth Council members rolled up their sleeves and played a key role in every aspect of the event. From setting up the site and staffing stalls to welcoming visitors and keeping everything running smoothly, the young organisers were at the centre of the action.

The project team said they were so happy with the turnout and atmosphere on the night, describing the event as even better than they had hoped for and one of the best nights of their life.

The success of the inaugural Matariki Night Market showcased not only the spirit of Matariki, but also the talent, leadership and enthusiasm of Waitaki’s young people. If this year’s event is anything to go by, the Night Market is set to become a much-loved fixture on the community calendar for years to come.

Sponsor thanks:

Hireworx Oamaru, Oamaru Farmers Market, Te Ha o Maru, Clarkie the Sparkie, Julie Barclay, Sport Otago

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz