The centrepiece of this year’s Matariki programme at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre is an extraordinary live arts experience: TIGER · DRAGON · HORSES, a trilogy of world-class dance films by internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer, and filmmaker Daniel Belton (Good Company Arts). Screening in the Great Hall on Friday 10 July, each work brings together Māori, Pacific, and Asian creatives in an ambitious, multi-disciplinary collaboration of movement, screen art, and cultural dialogue. There’s a family-friendly matinee (2pm) then an extended evening performance (7.30pm). Both sessions will be keyed live, and feature live musicians Mark de Clive Lowe (composer, grand piano, electronics) and Mahina-Ina Kingi-Kaui (taonga puoro). If you care about what contemporary New Zealand art looks like on a global stage, this is unmissable.
It’s a fitting centrepiece for a Matariki that feels particularly expansive. Across nine days – Saturday 4 to Sunday 12 Hōngongoi (July) – The Arts Centre’s programme moves from the intimate to the spectacular and will pull you back for more.
Te Waiatatanga Mai o te Atua/The Song of the Gods offers a permanent reimagining of a Ngāi Tahu creation story through sculpture and sonic art by six Ngāi Tahu artists, which rewards revisiting. Jamie Berry’s Kihikihi runs as both a contemplative video installation and a live VJ and audio performance on Tuesday 7 July. Whiria te aho brings together the Ōtautahi Weavers’ collective in an exhibition spanning traditional and contemporary fibre work.
For those who want to make or participate, wānanga in traditional kite-making and harakeke weaving are on offer, alongside kapa haka with Ngā Toi o Te Rangi and waiata by the fire with Project Miere.
And on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July, the Matariki Mākete returns to Market Square – two evenings of toi, kai, and over 60 local artisans under the winter sky.
Matariki 2026
Saturday 4 – Sunday 12 Hōngongoi July
Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, Ōtautahi Christchurch
Full programme and ticketing: https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/matariki-2026