Ōpōtiki Matariki Festival Named Finalist in Two National Award Categories
- Holly Grundy
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 9
For the second year running, the Ōpōtiki Matariki Festival has been named a finalist in the prestigious New Zealand Events Association (NZEA) Event Awards.
The annual awards celebrate innovation, creativity, and resilience in events across Aotearoa. In 2023, the Ōpōtiki Matariki Festival earned top honors in the "Best Community or Not-for-Profit Event (under 300 attendees)" category.
This year, the festival is a finalist in two categories: Best Arts, Cultural or Heritage Event and Best Community or Not-for-Profit Event.
Ōpōtiki District Council’s Experience and Engagement Manager, Joseph Hayes, reflected on the festival’s journey since its humble beginnings in 2018.
“To see how it has grown into a vibrant, multi-week celebration that reflects our culture, creativity, and community is incredibly special. Being announced as a finalist in the NZEA Event Awards, alongside incredible events like the Auckland Diwali Festival, the Tainui Waka Kapa Haka Festival, and the Masters Hockey World Cup, is a testament to the hard work and support of so many people over the years,” Mr Hayes said.
Experience and Engagement Coordinator Iranui Huriwai added that it’s a huge honour to be recognised again.
“Our team works incredibly hard alongside our community to ensure the Ōpōtiki Matariki Festival shines brightly. Getting top honours last year and being named a finalist again among Aotearoa’s best events is truly amazing.”
Highlights included a time capsule burial with contributions from local schools and businesses, the enchanting Hukutaia Domain Night Walk, Waka Ama with the local club at Ōhiwa, and He Aro Ki Ngā Whetū stargazing and workshops at Waiaua Marae.
Key partners in the 2024 festival included Sport Bay of Plenty, EBOP Primary Schools Sport Association, Mataatua Sports, Kura Ki Tai Waka Ama Club, Motu Trails Charitable Trust, Pacific Communities Trust, Hukutaia Domain Care Group, Ōpōtiki Deluxe Theatre, Waiaua Marae, Ngāti Patumoana Hapū, Ko Kollective Trust, and the Ōpōtiki Golf Club.
“The Matariki Festival is a cultural celebration of Ōpōtiki, and the recognition we receive from being finalists belongs to everyone who makes this event possible,” Ms Huriwai said.
Online voting for the 2025 People’s Choice Award is expected to open in the coming weeks, giving the community another chance to support this much-loved event.
