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Ombudsman – Serious failures at adult intellectual disability inpatient ward in Dunedin highlight need for strengthened commitment from health agencies

Source: Office of the Ombudsman

The Chief Ombudsman says the serious issues identified at Wakari Hospital’s Ward 10A highlight the urgent need for agencies to show greater commitment to the safety and dignity of the most vulnerable people in their care.
John Allen called on Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health to act immediately after a team of Ombudsman inspectors visited Ward 10A – an inpatient forensic unit for adults with intellectual disabilities – in March this year.
“I am disturbed by what our inspectors found. What they observed at Ward 10A are some of the worst practices we have observed anywhere,” says Mr Allen.
“We found compelling evidence of punitive and coercive treatment of people in the ward. Some were subjected to prolonged environmental restraint and/or long-term seclusion.
“In one instance, a person was being tied down on a bariatric or ‘EVAC’ mat to move them around the ward. This was causing physical and mental harm to the person who suffered carpet burns as a result.
“Inspectors also found that one person had been secluded in their bedroom for around 18 months with an almost complete lack of meaningful human contact and no access to the outdoors.
“Other instances of ill-treatment included restrictions on dental care and people being denied access to their own money. Staff were observed incentivising ‘good’ behaviour by rewarding people with access to basic necessities including dental treatment or the use of a toilet.
“Inspectors also noted that treatment of people may have extended to the unlawful administration of medication.
“These are allegations of serious and significant failures that amount to potential human rights abuses. This punitive and coercive approach to the care of people in Ward 10A is unacceptable.
“It is also very concerning that there has been next to no improvement to the physical structure of Ward 10A despite ongoing concerns. Infrastructure, facilities and the physical environment must be fit-for-purpose. This is critical to the health, safety and well-being of people in the ward and for staff. This applies not just to Ward 10A but across the system.”
The inspection, between 17 and 20 March 2026, was carried out under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989. It was part of the Ombudsman’s role under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT).
“We chose to raise our concerns directly with the Ministry of Health and Health NZ. They have both acknowledged our concerns and the importance of ensuring that all people in Ward 10A are treated properly,” Mr Allen says.
“The Ministry of Health has accepted my recommendation to undertake an independent investigation into the treatment and conditions of people at Ward 10A and have closed the ward to new admissions. It is very important now that they make sure the same number of beds are available across the structure to avoid putting more pressure on the system.
“Health New Zealand says they have taken these matters very seriously. I will be closely monitoring the progress and actions taken by both Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health.
“The issues at Ward 10A are a stark reminder that much more needs to be done to make sure the very vulnerable in our community, like people with intellectual disabilities, are kept safe and treated with dignity and respect. This requires a sustained approach and acknowledgment that a one-size-fits all approach will not work.
“New Zealand has an obligation under international and domestic law to ensure people are not subjected to ill-treatment as well as a positive duty to investigate where there are reasonable grounds to believe that ill-treatment has occurred.”
Mr Allen says the inspections at Ward 10A are an example of a critical function performed by his office.
“While we don’t want to find and uncover situations like this, when we do, this is how we respond. I am very grateful for the work of our inspectors.”
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Health Sector – ThePHO launches as New Zealand’s second-largest primary health organisation

Source: General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)

The General Practice Owners Association (GenPro) says the official launch of thePHO on 1 July is a significant milestone for primary healthcare in New Zealand.

Launching with 69 general practices, 485,000 enrolled patients and operating across 18 of New Zealand's 19 Health New Zealand districts, thePHO becomes the country's second-largest primary health organisation from day one.

GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers said the scale of the launch reflected strong support from practices for a simpler, more efficient PHO model focused on improving patient care.

“The launch of thePHO is a significant milestone for primary care. Beginning operations with almost half a million enrolled patients demonstrates there’s strong demand for a PHO that’s lean, nationally consistent and focused on supporting front-line healthcare.”

GenPro sponsored the establishment of thePHO because it aligns with the association's vision of sustainable, high-quality and accessible general practice. It operates independently of GenPro, allowing the association to continue advocating on behalf of general practice owners without any conflict of interest.

“GenPro remains the independent voice of general practice. ThePHO has its own governance and leadership, while we continue to advocate for better funding, less bureaucracy and a stronger primary care system.”

Dr Chambers said thePHO had been established to address long-standing concerns about the
current PHO model, including excessive administration, complex governance arrangements and funding that doesn’t always reach front-line services. Primary health organisations act as the link between Health New Zealand, which funds primary healthcare, and providers such as general practices.

“General practice is under enormous pressure. Every dollar unnecessarily absorbed by administration is a dollar not invested in patient care. ThePHO will keep overheads low, reduce duplication and support practices to deliver the best possible care for their communities.”

Operating across 18 Health New Zealand districts gives thePHO a national footprint, enabling sharing of best practice, less variation, and more consistent support to practices across the country.

“Launching with 69 practices and 485,000 enrolled patients provides a strong foundation for the future. We believe this model will help strengthen general practice by allowing clinicians and practice teams to spend less time navigating bureaucracy and more time caring for patients.”

GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit  www.genpro.org.nz 
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Transporting New Zealand welcomes common sense changes to road user rules

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Road freight association Transporting New Zealand is welcoming the announcement of planned changes to road user rules which it supports because they reflect common practice.
The Minister of Transport has announced a number of road rule changes to come into effect later this year, including permitting children aged 12 and under to ride bicycles on the footpath, and e-scooters being allowed to use cycle lanes.
“Transporting New Zealand supports these common sense changes which are essentially legalising what is already fairly common practice,” says Transporting New Zealand Policy and Advocacy Advisor Mark Stockdale. “It’s safer for young children to ride on footpaths than on the road, and many already do so, and likewise e-scooter riders are better off on dedicated cycle lanes than sharing the road with larger vehicles.”
The proposed rule changes will also introduce a requirement for drivers to leave a minimum gap of 1.5 metres when overtaking.
“We cautiously supported this proposal because it encourages good practice, however we think it will be difficult to enforce, while not all of New Zealand’s road network is wide enough to permit 1.5m passing gaps for all traffic types such as passing tractors on narrow rural roads. We were pleased to see our feedback on this point and others was acknowledged in the summary of submissions,” Stockdale said.
“Transporting New Zealand also welcomes the Ministers announcement that proposed changes to council enforcement of parking on berms won’t proceed, which we strongly opposed as it would have resulted in vehicle operators being unaware of any prohibitions,” Stockdale added. 
About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter-regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
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Consumer Rights – Consumer launches flight complaints portal and information hub

Source: Consumer NZ

Consumer NZ has launched a flight complaints portal for passengers to share complaints and learn about their rights, whether they've had a cancelled or delayed flight, a missing bag or another airline problem.

The advocacy organisation will consolidate the complaints it receives and put them to the airlines and government for action. People who use the portal will also get access to Consumer’s top tips for navigating travel troubles.

Research by Consumer found that nine out of 10 people are not fully aware of their flight rights, and more than three quarters of travellers rely on the airline for information about their rights.  

Unlike many other countries, including those in the EU, in New Zealand there are no rules requiring airlines to tell passengers about their rights if things go wrong.

“If people take the time to share their experience with us, they will be helping to build the case for better communication of passengers’ flight rights,” says Jessica Walker, Consumer campaigns manager.

Fighting for a fairer deal

Earlier this year, Consumer delivered a flight rights petition to parliament, signed by more than 10,500 people, calling on the government to require airlines to tell passengers their rights when flights are delayed or cancelled.

“Last week, we were invited to speak to the parliamentary petitions committee about our flight rights petition,” Walker says.

“We urged the committee to make regulations requiring airlines to clearly inform passengers of their rights at the point of disruption – just like in Europe.

“While the politicians consider our request, we, a not-for-profit, are filling the information gap to try and protect passengers from being left out of pocket when their flights don’t go to plan.”

Your rights explained

Consumer has also launched a new flight rights information hub that clearly explains passenger rights in different scenarios.

“Many passengers don’t know that they have legal protections under the Civil Aviation Act and the Consumer Guarantees Act,” Walker says.

When delays or cancellations are within an airline’s control, a passenger has specific rights. For example, if a domestic flight is delayed due to operational issues, the passenger can ask the airline to reimburse any reasonable costs they incur beause of the cost of the delay, up to 10 times the cost of the ticket.

If an international flight is cancelled or delayed and the airline is at fault, passengers are often entitled to a refund and to claim back other costs too. International flight rights depend on where you are, where you are heading, and, sometimes, where the airline is based. More than one set of rules might apply to the same journey.

“The law is so complex, so unclear and so poorly communicated that most people don’t realise they have rights – let alone how to enforce them. And if people don’t know their rights, those rights might as well not exist,” Walker says.

“Whether it’s a domestic flight cancellation, international flight delay or luggage that’s damaged or missing – we’ve got your back.”

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Save the Children – Health risks for children skyrocket one week after Venezuela earthquakes

Source: Save the Children

Children affected by last week’s earthquakes in Venezuela are facing increasing health risks as many families in shelters and temporary settlements lack access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services, Save the Children said.
Aid agencies are racing to deliver hygiene kits and other essential supplies to Caracas and La Guaira – two areas hardest hit by the earthquakes – as families sheltering outside face high temperatures in the day and heavy downpours at night, putting them at risk of dehydration diarrhoea and respiratory illnesses. The disaster comes at a time when Venezuela’s healthcare system is already under pressure to meet urgent medical needs. 
Powerful storms, rain and thunder – which frequently occur during the peak months of the rainy season – are also adding to the anxiety children are facing. Parents of children sheltering outside in tents have told our teams on the ground how powerful storms, rain and thunder, have left children already distressed from the devastating earthquakes terrified.
More than 2,300 people have been confirmed dead following the back-to-back 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that struck on 24 June, and affected over 850 buildings, with almost 200 flattened.  
Paolina-, a Save the Children staff member in Venezuela, said:
“Many people have lost their homes. Many have lost family members. This is undoubtedly overwhelming… facing this situation and seeing all these children affected.
“The experience has been traumatic for many adults and especially for children, many of whom still do not understand what happened in Venezuela.”
More than 600 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial earthquakes, according to the UN, with many children too scared to sleep indoors one week on. About 680,000 children have been impacted by the earthquakes, according to the UN.
Save the Children has launched a humanitarian response to help people in the affected regions, as survivors desperately need assistance such as health and psychosocial support and mobile safe spaces where children are protected and can get emergency items, such as shelter kits, tents and hygiene kits, and learning activities while schools remain closed. 
Fatima Andraca, Save the Children’s Country Director in Venezuela, said:
“The earthquakes have already taken a devastating toll on children. 
“Now a lack of adequate shelter, clean water and exposure to the elements including heavy downpours are creating a second emergency, exposing families sleeping outdoors or in informal settlements to new health risks. 
“Hospitals have been damaged and are strained with the thousands of injuries they are trying to treat. If illnesses or other health risks intensify, the pressure on the health system will only worsen. 
“Families urgently need access to clean and safe drinking water, adequate shelter, and mobile health care if they do get sick.”
Save the Children is an independent, impartial child rights organisation with our focus on the urgent humanitarian needs of children and families in Venezuela.
Save the Children has been working in Venezuela since 2019. Since the humanitarian crisis started to rapidly deteriorate a few years ago, Save the Children has been scaling its response through local partners to support the increasing number of children in need. 
Save the Children is delivering health, nutrition, education, child protection, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene and food security and livelihoods support.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, Save the Children is raising much-needed funds to support the response. To donate, go to: Venezuela Earthquakes Appeal.
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Indonesia: Caning of unmarried couple for kissing on TikTok violates prohibition of torture

Source: Amnesty International

Responding to the caning of an unmarried couple in the Indonesian province of Aceh for kissing and livestreaming it on social media, Amnesty International’s Co-Regional Director Montse Ferrer said:

“Today’s public caning of a young man and woman simply for kissing is a horrifying act of discrimination, and a grim reminder of the enduring human rights violations permitted under the Islamic Criminal Code in Indonesia’s Aceh province.

“The punishment shows how authorities are expanding their use of Sharia law to target peaceful expression online, as well as offline. Sharia police in Aceh appear to be intensifying digital monitoring efforts as they seek to punish acts deemed to violate Sharia law, including public displays of intimacy outside marriage.

“Caning is an inherently cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment that frequently crosses the threshold into torture. Indonesia’s authorities must end the criminalization of consensual intimacy and repeal all discriminatory bylaws that permit corporal punishment.

“Indonesia, as a member of the UN Human Rights Council and a state party to the Convention Against Torture, must align its laws – including in Aceh – with its constitutional commitments to equality and non-discrimination.  Corporal punishment has no place in a just and humane society.”

Background

An unmarried couple, aged 22 and 25, were publicly caned 21 times each in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh province, on 2 July. They were arrested in March after livestreaming themselves kissing in a car on TikTok.

Aceh remains the only province in Indonesia that enforces the Islamic Criminal Code (Qanun Jinayat), which criminalizes consensual extramarital and same-sex relations and prescribes punishments including public caning.

Under international human rights law, all forms of corporal punishment are prohibited as they constitute torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment. The prohibition of torture has jus cogens status in international law, which means it is of such profound importance that it is universally binding on all states.

The UN Human Rights Committee and other expert human rights bodies have raised concerns about laws criminalising ‘adultery’ or other consensual sexual relations outside marriage because they violate the right to privacy.

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Greenpeace – March for Nature launched to protect conservation

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace Aotearoa and Forest & Bird have announced a March for Nature to be held in Auckland on 19 September 2026, calling on New Zealanders to unite in defence of nature.
The March comes as opposition to the Government's Conservation Amendment Bill, and love for our wild places, continues to grow. People from across New Zealand are being invited to join together and send a clear message that nature and the places we all treasure must be protected.
Greenpeace Executive Director Dr Russel Norman says the Conservation Amendment Bill is the latest in a series of attacks on nature that has brought growing public frustration to boiling point.
Greenpeace Executive Director Dr. Russel Norman says: “For the past two and half years this Government has waged a war on nature and this latest attack on conservation land is the last straw.
“This march isn't just about one Bill. It's about saying enough is enough to a Government that keeps putting corporate interests ahead of nature. From the Fisheries Amendment Bill to the Fast-track Approvals Act and now the Conservation Amendment Bill, we've watched environmental protections be steadily dismantled.
“We will not stand aside while this Government makes it easier to commercially exploit public conservation land. These snow-capped mountains, ancient forests, wild rivers and coastlines belong to all of us. They are part of who we are as a nation and must be protected.”
Forest & Bird Acting Chief Executive Erika Toleman says the Conservation Amendment Bill has become a rallying point for people who care about and want to protect nature in Aotearoa.
“Conservation land is for people and for nature. These are the wild places that belong to all of us and future generations. New Zealanders take pride in protecting our public conservation land, the mountains, wild rivers, and forests that we love to explore.
“Our native wildlife is already under immense pressure, we need stronger protections for habitats and stronger environmental safeguards.”
The March for Nature draws inspiration from previous marches that successfully pushed back against attempts to weaken environmental and conservation protections. In 2010, people marched against plans to mine Schedule 4 conservation land, forcing the Government to backdown.
In 2024, the first March for Nature against the Government’s Fast Track Bill, attended by over 20,000 people, successfully forced changes to some of the most anti-environment proposals within the bill. This has been consequential for decisions that followed such as the expert panel declining the proposed seabed mine in Taranaki.
“People in New Zealand have a long and proud history of standing up for nature. Fifteen years ago, John Key listened to New Zealanders from all walks of life when his government backed down from opening up our most highly protected conservation land to mining. As our current PM, Christopher Luxon has the same opportunity to do the right thing in 2026”, says Toleman.
Norman says, “Whether it's defending conservation land, the nuclear free movement or ending offshore oil and gas exploration, we are a country full of people who love the environment and want to protect it. The Coalition Government has just signed itself up to a battle that it cannot possibly win.”
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Education – Union representing polytechnics files for facilitation in bargaining

Source: Tertiary Education Union

Today the Tertiary Education Union | Te Hautū Kahurangi has filed with the Employment Relations Authority for facilitation over the failure of the polytech employers to engage in bargaining in good faith.
TEU says that so far the employer parties have not engaged with or provided responses to claims endorsed by members. Instead they have kept a narrow focus on obtaining new separate agreements for over 2,500 members across 11 polytech employers.
Louise Simpson, polytech bargaining team member says that this is not good enough.
“Our TEU bargaining team prepared and came to the table feeling positive and ready to put our claims forward. So it’s been disappointing and frustrating to then get stuck in a discussion around single collective agreements. We’ve been ready to hear our employers claims for months, but we have been stymied by their failure to move forward in bargaining.”
National Presidents Māori and Te Tiriti, Garrick Cooper and Ti Lamusse say that the bargaining team just wants to get on with negotiations. 
“Our hopes with filing for facilitation is that we can make some progress. The team come to the table ready to talk constructively about the terms and conditions that will benefit TEU members and we all want the employers to do the same thing. We remain ready to bargain in good faith.”
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Transport Events – YOUNG DRIVERS SHARE HOW PRACTICAL TRAINING CHANGED THE WAY THEY APPROACH THE ROAD

Source: Street Smart – Driven by Tony Quinn Foundation

A young driver who was involved in a serious crash on a rural road is encouraging others to experience practical driver training after saying it changed the way she approaches every journey.

Gabby was travelling to school at 100km/h when another vehicle pulled out in front of her, causing a collision that rolled her vehicle into a fence. While she escaped without physical injury, the crash left a lasting impact on her willingness to drive.

“I was driving to school on a country road when another driver didn't see me and pulled out in front of me. I was travelling at 100km/h when my vehicle was hit and rolled into a fence.

“Afterwards, I didn't want to drive again because I felt like every car was going to crash into me.”

Gabby later attended a Street Smart young driver training day, a practical, hands-on programme, run at venues  around the country, that gives drivers the opportunity to experience emergency braking, hazard awareness and vehicle control in a safe, controlled environment alongside experienced coaches.

Initially, she admits she wasn't enthusiastic about attending.

“I thought it was going to be all theory and quite boring, so I wasn't very keen to go.”

By the end of the day, however, her outlook had changed.

“The ABS braking exercise was what I took the most from. I really enjoyed learning how to use it properly and understanding what the vehicle can do in an emergency situation.”

Since completing the programme, Gabby says she approaches driving differently.

“I am much more aware of my surroundings now. I pay more attention to potential hazards and I know how to use ABS braking effectively if I ever need it.”

Street Smart Programme Director Hayden Dickason says Gabby's experience reflects what many participants describe after completing the programme.

“Young drivers spend a lot of time learning the rules of the road, but there are some situations that simply can't be experienced safely on public roads. Street Smart gives them the opportunity to understand how a vehicle behaves under emergency braking, how distractions affect reaction times, and how quickly hazards can develop, all in a controlled environment.”

The impact is often noticed well beyond the training day.

Gabby's mother says she initially thought her daughter viewed the programme as a consequence of the crash rather than an opportunity to learn.

“At the beginning, Gabby wasn't particularly keen to attend… she viewed the course as a punishment for the accident and a waste of her time. As the day progressed, her attitude completely changed. She mentioned several times how good the course was and how much she enjoyed it.”

She says the lessons have continued to shape Gabby's driving.

“Since attending Street Smart, Gabby has become much more careful and aware of her surroundings. She pays greater attention to potential hazards and is far more conscious of distractions, both inside and outside the vehicle. Overall, she approaches driving with much more caution and maturity.”

Similar experiences have been shared by participants across New Zealand.

Emma, who recently attended a training day in Christchurch says the programme changed the way she scans the road and thinks about vehicle control, particularly on rural roads where looking further ahead is critical.

“The experience is 100x better than I could have imagined, not only was it highly educational, but for me the backgrounds of the coaches made it so much more of an enjoyable, interesting and fun day. The lessons that you learn completely outweigh the cost, this experience is very likely to change the outcome of someone's driving experience or even their life. Just give it a go!”

For Cromwell attendee Meisha, those lessons were put to the test only weeks after attending when another driver failed to give way at an intersection.

“I slammed on my brakes and felt my car judder, but thanks to testing it out at Street Smart, I knew my car would be okay.”

She believes the practical experience prepared her for a situation many new drivers hope they never encounter.

“It is far better to test out your vehicle's safety precautions in a controlled space, rather than in a real emergency. If it comes down to it, brake, and brake hard. You are more important than your car. Your vehicle is replaceable. You aren't.”

Greg Murphy, Street Smart Trust Chair and Ambassador, shared his enthusiasm for the programme: “I’m incredibly passionate about saving lives through improving driver awareness, and I’m incredibly proud to have been involved in Street Smart since its inception. This programme has been designed by experts for Kiwi teens, and it’s making a difference in helping young people become more aware and responsible behind the wheel.”

Street Smart is a one-day practical driver training programme delivered around New Zealand, helping young drivers and their guardians experience real-world driving situations in a safe environment before encountering them on public roads.

For upcoming training days or more information, visit www.streetsmart.org.nz

The Street Smart programme is open to young drivers and their parents/guardians. Registration details and additional information are available on the Street Smart website www.streetsmart.nz

Event Details:

AUCKLAND – WAIKATO

  • When: 7th, 8th, 9th July, 25th July, 13th September, 30th September, 1st, 2nd October 2026
  • Where: Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, 20 Hampton Downs Road, Te Kauwhata

TAUPŌ

  • When: 5th & 6th July, 28th & 29th September 2026
  • Where: Taupō International Motorsport Park, 463 Broadlands Road, Taupō

MANAWATŪ – FEILDING

  • When: 26th & 27th September 2026
  • Where: Manfeild Park Back Circuit, 120 Kawakawa Road, Feilding

CHRISTCHURCH

  • When: 13th & 14 July, 5th & 6th October 2026
  • Where: Euromarque Motorsport Park, 107 Hasketts Road, Templeton, Christchurch

CROMWELL

  • When: 16th & 17th July, 8th & 9th October 2026
  • Where: Highlands Motorsport Park, Corner SH6 & Sandflat Road, Cromwell, Otago

INVERCRAGILL:

  • When: 18th & 19th July, 7th October 2026
  • Where: Teretonga Park Raceway, 86 Sandy Point Road, Oreti Beach, Invercargill

ABOUT STREETSMART DRIVEN BY TONY QUINN FOUNDATION

Street Smart driven by Tony Quinn Foundation Road Safety, is a world-class, hands-on driver education programme designed to positively impact young Kiwis across the country. Unlike traditional defensive driving or theory / classroom based programmes, Street Smart offers a one-day, hands on practical experience where young drivers and their parents/guardians participate in activities, guided and coached by professional drivers. This unique approach helps both the young driver and their mentor assess skills that are crucial to their driving journey.

The programme is held at a number of safe and controlled environments around the country with participants, under the guidance of trained coaches, engaging in real-world driving scenarios to enhance their skills. The goal is for young drivers to leave the programme as a safer and more aware driver but most importantly being able to learn by doing and be able to take charge of their learning.

www.streetsmart.org.nz

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Events – Matariki is a celebration for everyone

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

“This year marks the fifth observance of Matariki as a public holiday, highlighting the growing place of the Māori New Year within New Zealand’s national calendar and the many ways it is celebrated across the country” says Chief Advisor, Mātauranga Matariki Professor Rangi Mātāmua.
“Since 2022, nationally broadcast hautapu have marked the rising of Matariki in communities across the country, including Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, Rotorua, Wānaka and Ohakune.”
“Each host iwi has shared their unique way of celebrating the Māori New Year, inviting the nation to connect while strengthening ties to their mātauranga and traditions.”
“After five years of bringing Tamaki Makaurau together at Takaparawhau, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei are now welcoming all of Aotearoa to experience the celebration through a live broadcast from the iconic Waitematā Harbour.”
Secretary for Culture and Heritage, Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae says, “the national theme, Matariki Herenga Waka – For everyone, honours the whakataukī, Tāmaki Herenga Waka – the gathering place of canoes.
“It speaks to bringing people together, welcoming everyone to celebrate Matariki, and recognising the diverse communities that make Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland unique.”
“The theme connects the celebration with communities across the Pacific and beyond. That connection is strengthened by the attendance of representatives from Pacific countries and the European Union at the hautapu, including French Polynesia which celebrated its first Matari’i i ni’a public holiday in Tahiti and French Polynesia last year.”
Last year’s national broadcast reached audiences in 150 countries through the Associated Press network, and global reach is expected to grow in 2026.
“It is fantastic that Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei have created this opportunity for all people to connect with and celebrate a ceremony that is uniquely our own.”
Professor Rangi Mātāmua says “whether it’s attending a local event, joining a marae celebration, or gathering with loved ones at home, there are countless ways for people to mark Matariki.”
“Celebrating Matariki can be as simple as coming together with whānau and friends. The essence of Matariki – remembering those who have passed, celebrating the present, and looking to the future – can be observed in meaningful ways by anyone, anywhere.
“I encourage everyone to celebrate Matariki next Friday – reconnect with loved ones, attend a local event, watch the broadcast, or simply take a moment to look up at the stars” Mātāmua said.
Matariki Herenga Waka is broadcast live from Takaparawhau from 6am on Friday 10 July 2026 streaming on Whakaata Māori, TVNZ+, Sky Open, Pasifika TV, matariki.com, RNZ and Iwi radio. 
Notes:
  • The pre-dawn hautapu ceremony at Takaparawhau, Bastion Point will involve remembrance of those who have passed, followed by the preparation of kai connected to stars in the Matariki cluster.
  • Steam will be released to feed the stars, and tohunga will look to the star cluster and share aspirations for the year ahead.
  • A list of some of the many other Matariki events, celebrations and ceremonies is available on the Matariki.com website and is being regularly updated: www.matariki.com/events
  • Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei are hosting a number of other special 2026 Matariki events including the Tūhono immersive light trail, Matariki Twilight Markets and Mahuta concert bringing together some of the best kaiwaiata of Te Ao Māori. https://ngatiwhatuaorakei.com/matariki
  • Chief Advisor, Mātauranga Matariki Professor Rangi Mātāmua will feature in a concert celebrating Matariki alongside Maisey Rika, Troy Kingi and Stan Walker at the Auckland Town Hall following the hautapu ceremony.