A Maori version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and a no holds barred kapa haka will be part of this year's Maori New Year celebrations.
The Matariki festival begins on June 20 with a dawn karakia on Maungakiekie One Tree Hill. It will have more than 100 events and run until July 19.
The festival celebrates the rise of the Matariki constellation and signifies the start of Maori New Year.
![Karena Koria from the Hawaiki Tu Haka Theatre Company performs at the Matariki Festival Launch. Photo / Dean Purcell](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/CR5ST6PZSH6HMBKF4UQCMZB7TY.jpg?auth=4202516feefd84c00a0afa8199a6066d824717aa46406fa1d790fa5d81715893&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Celebrations in Auckland were launched yesterday at the Auckland Museum with "The Long Hakari" or feast, featuring a menu created by Maori chefs Tu Fearn of Harbourside and Nancye Pirini of Novotel Auckland Airport.