Matariki Ahi Kā

Ahi Kā was first celebrated as a festival in 2018 and is part of the Matariki kī Pōneke Festival. It is celebrated at the beginning of the Matariki cycle each year with events on the waterfront.

The original meaning of Ahi Kā is about maintaining the rights of a group in the district by occupying it, by keeping the fire warm. This festival was a way to revitalise the concept - a festival of fire and light, celebrating renewal and belonging. It is an immersive walk-through experience including fire, projections, performances, and a special ceremony to honour those who have passed away and to express hopes for the future. 

The event was initiated following Wellington City Council’s 2017 decision to move its long‑running annual Sky Show — previously held for Guy Fawkes Day in November — to mid‑winter, aligning it with the Māori New Year and establishing Matariki as a central city festival.

The images linked here are from the event held in 2020, notable as one of the first events held in Wellington after the Covid-19 Lockdown. Evidence of the health measures is seen with the Covid-19 "Sani Squad" displaying QR codes. For 2020 Matariki ki Pōneke was reimagined and redesigned in response to Covid-19. It consisted of live and digital events so people could attend events in person but also view the festival at home if they chose.

In 2021, the Labour Government announced that Matariki would become an annual holiday and in 2022 the Matariki Public Holiday Bill was given royal assent, with the first holiday observed in June 2022.