Concerts set for Maori New Year

Ardijah. Photo / HBT

Matariki, or Maori New Year, will be celebrated with a full programme of entertainment this June.

In one of the main events, a concert called Tiramarama at the Aotea Centre on June 24, musicians Stan Walker, Ardijah and Adeaze will sing acoustically, accompanied by the Auckland Chamber Orchestra. Dr Charles Te Ahukaramu Royal will also present a new composition combining a classical orchestra with taonga puoro (traditional Maori instruments) and the evening will be topped with a performance of New Zealand's most iconic waiata, Pokarekare Ana.

The first Matariki national kapa haka competition will shake the foundations of the Town Hall on June 18. And elsewhere in the Matariki programme is a double-billing of plays performed at the Town Hall from June 15 to 17. See matarikifestival.org.nz for a full programme.

- TimeOut