Matariki Tauranga Moana celebrations are in full swing, and everyone's invited! Check out these special events taking place next week.

Tauranga City Libraries presents an evening with Robert McGowan, Queen Service Medal, on Wednesday, June 15.

Robert, an author, conservationist, practitioner, and educator, has contributed to the revival and restoration of Rongoā Māori (traditional Māori healing).

Robert will speak of his journey to knowledge and share experiences and steps that we can all take to be part of the journey to wellness of the whenua and the people. Due to popular demand, this event has now sold out but can be viewed through livestream on the Tauranga City Libraries' Facebook page from 6pm until 7.30pm.

The Matariki Cinematic Showcase kicks off on Thursday, June 16, at The Village Cinema in The Incubator Creative Village, with tickets available to book online.

Running every Thursday evening until July 7, the showcase will celebrate our local Kaupapa Māori filmmakers with a curated selection of short films, feature films, documentaries, and music videos.

Learn about Tauranga's history and explore some of our off-road trails on the Otūmoetai Pa Historic Bike Tour on Saturday, June 18.

Join tour guide Reweti Te Mete as he shares his vast knowledge about why our region, with its vast resources, was important and popular for both Māori and European settlement.

Head along to The Village Hall at The Historic Village for The Incubator Creative Hub's Matariki Kōrero Mai.

Leading Tauranga Moana toi Māori artists including Kereama Taepa, Whare Thompson, Que Bidois and special guest Tame Iti will kōrero about a range of topics such as the place of traditional and contemporary toi Māori in popular culture on Saturday, June 18.

Do you love the energy and awe of the haka, and want to learn how to do it yourself? Meet Tāne Cook at Te Taiope Huringanui/Turning Point at The Historic Village on Sunday, June 19, for a one-hour workshop. You'll then hit the village streets to perform as part of the Matariki Village Market haka mob!

Come rain or shine, the Matariki Village Market will be on from 9am until 2pm on Sunday, June 19.

With a range of stallholders celebrating Kaupapa Māori and sustainability, tasty kai to enjoy, live music, and even a health and wellbeing centre, there will be something for everyone.

Tauranga City Libraries' annual Matariki Kite Day will send off the week in style on Sunday, June 19, at Fergusson Park. Sit back, relax, and watch a magical kite display by the New Zealand Kite Flyers Association, or bring your own kite down to the beachside.

The whole whānau is sure to enjoy a fun afternoon with colourful kites, food stalls and a children's activity space.

Throughout the week you'll also find a range of exciting events and exhibitions to explore, including Matariki Iti Pounamu at Tauranga Library, Matariki Scratch Coding at Greerton Library, a Pae Korokī Drop-in session, the Matariki Star Hunt at Tauranga Art Gallery, and exhibitions at The Incubator Creative Village.

Take part and discover the significance of Matariki with whānau and friends. Visit www.mymatariki.co.nz to view the full Matariki Tauranga Moana 2022 programme.