Reach for the stars in a Matariki celebration

Capital E and Carter Observatory are hosting a Matariki-themed family fun day complete with crafts, storytelling and star prizes! 

Find out fascinating facts about the night sky and celebrate the Maori New Year in this special day just for families.

Children will be invited to find the hidden stars in a gallery trail, have their faces painted into a starry sky and enjoy a story from the entertaining Wiremu Tuhiwai. From star string art, to glow in the dark hanging constellations, there will be fabulous crafts to make.

Then the whole family can sit back and relax under the stars in Carter Observatory’s planetarium where a selection of four movies will be played throughout the day on the full dome screen. Follow Tycho the dog to the moon in his spaceship kennel, be inspired by a reconstruction of man’s first steps into space, or see what it really takes to become an astronaut. Following each movie, enjoy a live presentation on the stories within the stars of Matariki.

Capital E and Carter will also be compiling a special book; “What Matariki Means to Me”. Write a poem, draw a picture or tell a story about what Matariki means to you and each page will be added to the book which can then be viewed online and in the Capital E Artcase gallery throughout the duration of Matariki.

Bring the whole family together for a star-filled Sunday on the 5th June and join this unique and happy celebration.

Capital E at Carter – Matariki Family Day
When: Sunday 5 June, 10am–5.30pm
Where: Carter Observatory