Matariki Cultural Foundation

The Matariki Cultural Foundation is an independent non for profit charitable trust, originally established in 2010 as an independent charitable trust to operate outside of Auckland Council to oversee the Matariki Festival for Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland).

Between 2010 to 2014 the trust programmed for Films on Marae, Music (Tiramarama), Oceania Music Series, and held the major sponsorship with 2Degrees for 3 years.  Outside of the festival time the trust organised the Inaugural  International Jazz Day April 2013 with Peta Si'ulepa (Founder of Samoana Jazz & Arts Festival), Auckland Museum and Maori/Pacific Musicians. Under the auspicious of the late George Te Aroha Kahi. As a founding trustee he spent time recording and translating well known tunes into Te Reo Maori with Maori Musicians; Alana Goldsmith,  June Pittman,  Maree Sheehan and Emma Paki and others.

Since 2016 the foundation has attended  WOMEX (World Music Expo's) to hold the space for Maori and Pacific Music at Europes biggest conference of the global music scene, featuring a trade fair, talks, films and showcases.

In 2019 we rebranded and made the transition to the Matariki Cultural Foundation with the objective to assist Maori and Pacific emerging and mid tier musicians, writers and composers into the World Music space with networks and connections and pathways to Indigenous communities globally.

Symbolism of Matariki
Matariki in Aoteaora, New Zealand is a special occasion as it heralds the Māori New Year. The three major principles that guide Matariki are: remembrance — honouring those who have died since the last rising of Matariki. celebrating the present — gathering together with people, family and friends,  looking to the future. 

WOMEX (World Music Expo) is a platform to gather, learn and connect it  brings all the promise that Matariki offers - new beginnings!