Dunedin’s flagship Matariki mā Puaka celebration welcomes the community to new Forsyth Barr Stadium location

Despite the change of venue, the city's flagship Puaka Matariki celebration will proceed as planned, bringing together whānau and the wider community for an evening of connection, reflection and celebration.

Forsyth Barr Stadium will now serve as the main festival hub from 3pm to 9pm, with a drone viewing area on the fields between the University Oval and Forsyth Barr Stadium (University Oval Fields 4 and 5).

“Persistent rain over the past few days has significantly impacted the original event site making it no longer safe or suitable for large crowds,” Interim Destination Manager Teresa Fogarty says.

“While the change might be a surprise for some people, we're excited what opportunities the new venue presents. Forsyth Barr Stadium is an incredible space and provides a safe, comfortable environment for our community to come together and celebrate Matariki.”

The stadium hub will feature performances, kai, markets, family activities, and live screens, creating a comfortable environment for whānau and friends to gather and celebrate.

Indoor entertainment includes headlining act Tiki Tanne, supported by a strong line-up of local performers. This includes Ōtepoti favourites Dubious Groove, Tough Guy, Ngahau Tene, and Te Kapa o Rukutia.

“The pitch is in excellent condition, and we'll be creating spaces with plenty of kai, entertainment, and seating where people can relax, connect and enjoy the evening together,” Ms Fogarty says.

The drone displays will still take place just outside the stadium, where a viewing area will be set up for audiences. The two shows will start at 6pm and 8.45pm, with each show running for about ten minutes. Audiences will be able to view the drone displays from the fields between the Oval and the stadium.

“Although attendees won't have to contend with muddy conditions at the main festival event as they have in previous years, we still encourage audiences to wear gumboots or sturdy footwear to watch the drone shows,” Ms Fogarty says.

While the venue has changed, the kaupapa remains the same. Puaka Matariki continues to be a celebration of bringing people together in a welcoming and meaningful way.

"Our priority is to deliver a safe, accessible and memorable experience for the community while remaining true to the kaupapa of Puaka Matariki.”

Grounded in the values of remembrance, gathering together, and hope for the future, Matariki mā Puaka invites the wider community to come and celebrate a uniquely southern expression of the Māori New Year.

"We would like to sincerely thank Dunedin Venues Management Limited for their flexibility and support in helping make this transition possible," says Ms Fogarty.

"We also acknowledge the flexibility and support of our performers, vendors, contractors, volunteers, mana whenua partners and the wider community as we work together to deliver this year's celebration."

The festival was first established in 2009 with the kaupapa of creating opportunities for communities across Ōtepoti to celebrate and engage with te ao Māori during the Māori New Year.

Entrance is free, and attendees can enter from Gates C, D, and E on the North Stand side of the stadium. There will be a range of food and kai trucks offering varying culinary delights, as well as additional entertainment inside the festival grounds.

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