MANAWATU'S MATARIKI WINTER FESTIVAL

Manawatū’s Matariki Winter Festival -  Bringing Feilding to Life this July

The team at Feilding & District Promotion is excited to launch Feilding in Lights, a month long Matariki winter festival designed to brighten, bring creativity, culture, and community pride into the heart of our town.

 

What’s happening throughout July’s month-long festival?

Feilding in Lights brings together a full calendar of activities designed to brighten up winter. Here’s a quick overview of what’s happening:

• Grand Launch Night (Saturday 27 June)

A major launch event in the Town Square featuring the lighting of the Clock Tower, fireworks, live entertainment, display of the Community Light Project - a visual expression of our community coming together, and the Tractor Light Parade.

• Community Light Project

Schools, groups, families, workplaces, and individuals create Matariki‑inspired light pieces that reflects the 2026 theme Matariki Herenga Waka which will be displayed at The Grand Launch Night in Feilding Town Square.

• Matariki Star Hunt (All Month)

Nine hidden stars around the CBD with QR‑linked stories and a family prize draw — encouraging repeat visits and exploration.

• Business Window LightUp Trail (All Month)

A town‑wide illuminated window trail supported by a printed and digital map.

• Thursday Night's Local Brights!

Enjoy dining out at our fabulous eateries and explore the Feilding Business Window LightUp Trail all month. +PLUS Live Music in the Square and Fergusson Street on 2,9,16 July.

• Hospitality Challenge — “The Colourful Dish” (All Month)

Local eateries create colourful or glowing dishes, drinks, or desserts with public voting.

• Matariki Market - Friday 10 July

A special Farmers Market in partnership with Ngāti Kauwhata, celebrating kai, culture, and community connections.

• The Grand Finale at Manfeild (Saturday 25 July)

The closing event for the festival with live band and entertainment, glow-zone activities. and DRONE DISPLAY

 

We need you!

We are reaching out to our community, schools, clubs, organisations and businesses, to let you know how to get involved, and also for us to discover any Matariki events that you are planning during the month of July:

      

 

Watch this space - more details coming soon!