Gather with your whānau and community to celebrate Matariki, the Māori New Year, under a sky full of light. A warm-hearted, free winter night, capped off with a spectacular fireworks finale.
WHEN
Fri 10 July 2026
WHERE
Norman Kirk Park
FIREWORKS
7:00pm
ENTRY
FREE
TE MĀTAHI O TE TAU · THE MĀORI NEW YEAR
A time to gather, remember & dream
Matariki is the cluster of stars (also known as the Pleiades) that rises in the midwinter sky and signals the start of the Māori New Year.
It’s a time to come together: to remember those who have passed, to celebrate the present with friends and family, and to look to the future with hope. Lime Real Estate Matariki Kaiapoi brings that spirit to Norman Kirk Park with a free night of community, kai and celebration for everyone.
A night for the whole whānau
Lights, fire & fun
Live fire performances, rides, food stalls, and the buzz of the community, all leading up to the fireworks.
Fireworks finale
The night peaks with a dazzling fireworks display at 7pm.
Live performances
Fire spinners, hoops and entertainment light up the park.
Rides & kai
Carnival rides and food stalls for a proper family night out.
Celebrating Matariki
Marking the Māori New Year together as a community.
The grand finale · Friday 10 July
Fireworks at 7pm
As the night builds, the sky over Norman Kirk Park erupts with fireworks. Find a good spot, look up, and welcome the Māori New Year together.
Coming from Kaiapoi Lights? On Friday you can walk the short distance from the light path straight to the celebration, arriving in time for the fireworks.
Tickets
It's FREE!
Entry to Lime Real Estate Matariki Kaiapoi is completely free, no tickets required. Just bring the whānau, rug up warm, and join us at Norman Kirk Park. Children of all ages welcome.
Getting there
Norman Kirk Park, Kaiapoi
The Matariki Kaiapoi celebration and fireworks take place at Norman Kirk Park in Kaiapoi, North Canterbury.
Street & accessible parking
Alcohol & smoke free
No dogs please
Before you come
Good to know
Free entry
No tickets needed, Matariki Kaiapoi is free for everyone.
No dogs
For everyones’s safety, especially around fireworks, please leave dogs at home.
Alcohol & smoke free
Anyone inebriated won’t be permitted entry, and smokers will be asked to leave.
Wrap up warm
It’s a midwinter night, bring a coat, hat, and comfy shoes.
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