Matariki

Kite Making Workshops

Learn how to make an amazing kite, all materials supplied.

Thursday

9th July 2026

Location: Kaiapoi Gray Raven Scout Den, Darnley Square.

Time: 10:30 and 1:00pm

🎟️ Kite making tickets $22.00

Matariki Ahunga Nui

A community celebration with entertainment, craft stalls, and food.

Friday

10th July 2026

Location: Kaiapoi Club, Raven Quay

Time: 11:00am

Entry:Free

Team Karen & Brent Arizto Kite Flying

Watch fantastic professional kite flying and fly your own kite.

Friday
10th July 2026

Location: Murphy Park, Raven Quay.

Time: 11:00am

Entry:Free

Please note:

Applications for this event have now Closed. .

🎉 More information

Matariki Ahunga Nui 11:00am – 2:00pm Friday 10 July 2026

Celebrate Matariki in North Canterbury with a family-friendly day of entertainment, market stalls, food vendors, and activities for the whole whānau. Enjoy live music and performances on the ground floor of the Kaiapoi Club from 11.00am (see programme below). Upstairs, browse more than 40 North Canterbury arts and craft stalls, view entries in the Kaiapoi Matariki Art Competition, and support our talented local rangatahi. Lift access is available via the northern entrance. The Kaiapoi Club car park will host around 15 food vendors offering a wide range of meals, desserts, and drinks. Don't miss the popular Kaiapoi High School hāngī, including a vegetarian option. Hāngī tickets must be pre-purchased through Humanitix. We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
Event entrances are located on both sides of the Kaiapoi Club.
Accessible parking is available near the food vendor area, with vehicle access from Hilton Street opposite the Kaiapoi Fire Station.

Free public parking is also available via Hilton Street. Metro Route 1 (Rangiora–Cashmere) stops on both sides of the Kaiapoi River bridge, with services operating every 30 minutes on public holidays.

Kite Making Workshops – 10:30am and 1:00pm Thursday 9 July

Build, decorate, and fly your own Pentagon kite – a simple, high-performance design that's guaranteed to fly! All materials are provided. Suitable for children aged 7+, these 420 x 420 mm kites with 1m tails are easy to assemble using simple techniques and basic knot-tying skills. Participants will decorate their kites to create colourful artwork in the sky. This is a structured, hands-on workshop, with information tailored to the ages and interests of participants. Children are encouraged to work together so everyone can finish and enjoy flying their kites at the same time.
The Kite Making Workshops will be held at the Kaiapoi Gray Raven Scout Den Darnley Square, Kaiapoi.
There are a large number of carparks on the street in this area.
The Metro Number 1 Rangiora – Cashmere bus route passes through Kaiapoi with bus stops between Charles Street and Sewell Street, and near Cass Street. Buses pass through Kaiapoi every 15 minutes on Thursdays.

Tickets MUST be pre purchased for this event. . 🎟️ Kite making tickets $22.00

The Team Karen & Brent Arizto Kite Flying 11:00am - 3:00pm Friday 10th July

For some people kite flying is a conduit between the physical and spiritual realms, bringing messages to the deceased. Prepare to be wowed by a great array of amazing kites flown by professional kite flyer in the safety of Murphy Park. You are also welcome to bring your own kite and receive guidance from an expert.
The Kite Flying will be held in Murphy Park. The entrance to the park is opposite Rich Street. (There are a large number of carparks in the following locations: • In Murphy Park • On Raven Quay and Rich Street • On the north side of the Mafeking pedestrian bridge, with access off Smith Street).
The Metro Number 1 Rangiora – Cashmere bus route pass through Kaiapoi with bus stops on Smith Street near the Cam River bridge. Buses pass through Kaiapoi every 30 minutes on Public Holidays.

🕒 Matariki Ahunga Nui

⏰ Time	🎉 Activity
11.00am	Opening Karakia - Natalie Leary/Charlie Williams Brian Smart - President Kaiapoi Club
11:15am	Opening Address - Mayor - Dan Gordan
11.25: - 12:00 noon	Entertainment - Charlie Williams
12.00 noon - 12:20pm	Kapa Haka - Honey Beez Pre School
12.20 - 1.00pm	Kapa Haka - Kaiapoi High School
1.00pm - 1:20pm	Kapa Haka - St Patricks Kaiapoi
1.20pm - 1:45pm	Kapa Haka - Kaiapoi Borough School
1.45pm	Entertainment - Kerryn Whyall
Matariki Market – Support Local 🕚 11am – 2pm

🍔 Food & Drink

Variety of food trucks and refreshment stalls situated outside in the Kaiapoi club carpark.

Note: All craft stalls will be located inside the Kaiapoi Club on the first floor.

Food and drink may not be taken into the Kaiapoi Club. The Kaiapoi club bistro and bar will be open from 11:00am onwards.

Hāngi

Tickets MUST be pre purchased for Hangi meals. . 🎟️ Purchase Hangi tickets. We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in case of bad weather?
Wear comfortable footwear, a sunhat and sunscreen. Bring your reusable water bottle. There are water refill stations at three locations (north, central, south event areas). No large suitcases or glass bottles. Outside food and drink allowed for baby snacks and medical needs only.
Is smoking permitted?
No. Smoking is not permitted at this event.
Will alcoholic drinks be available?
No. There won’t be any alcohol sold at this event and you cannot bring alcohol into the event.
What are the rules about Pets
Pets: Only certified service animals permitted in the event zone. No other pets for safety and crowd management.
Do you have accessible parking?
Yes, we do have a dedicated area close to the main entrance for disabled parking. The parking fee is FREE.
What food and drink will be available?
A wide range of food and drink can be purchased from the carpark food vendors, but this may not be taken inside the Kaiapoi Club, unless for baby snacks and medical needs.
The Kaiapoi Club Bistro will be operating as normal.
Do you have EFTPOS and cash out facilities?
No, we will not have EFTPOS available. Many individual stallholders and food trucks will offer EFTPOS, but please bear in mind that some will be cash only depending on their facilities.
Where do I park?
There will be parking available at the Kaiapoi club and surrounding streets.
First Aid
There is an on-site first aid provided by North and South First Aid supplies. In case of emergency, please contact the organisers desk located next to the entry to the main upstairs room.
Security
Please follow event staff instructions in case of emergency or evacuation.
What happens in case of bad weather?
The Matariki Ahunga Nui and Market Stalls will be all inside the Kaiapoi Club. In the case of extreme weather the food vendors located in the carpark may not be able to operate; please check our Facebook page for the latest updates.
Is there a lost and found?
Lost items desk will be located next to the entry to the main upstairs room. Items will be held for up to 30 days, then donated if unclaimed. Email office@Kaiapoi.org.nz for post-event claims.
Can I apply to be a stallholder?
Yes! We welcome applications from local businesses and community groups. Click here for application forms and deadlines.
Who is running the Kaiapoi Matariki?
The daytime event at the Kaiapoi Club and Murphy Park is being run by Kaiapoi Promotions Association, a not for profit group run by a group of volunteers who are dedicated to running free community events. There is also a commercially operated evening event at Norman Kirk Park.

Thank you to our sponsors/supporters