24 Jun 2026

Dear Parents and Caregivers of KingsGate School,

Please see below community information regarding Matariki.

Matariki in 2026 takes place from July 8 to July 11, with the official national public holiday observed on Friday, July 10. The Māori New Year marks the reappearance of the Matariki star cluster (the Pleiades) in the pre-dawn mid-winter sky, which is a time for remembering those who have passed, celebrating the present, and looking toward the future. [1, 2, 3, 4]

The 2026 national celebrations have a major focus on inclusion under the theme "Matariki Herenga Waka" (the gathering place of many canoes). [1, 2]  

This year’s theme of Matariki herenga waka is all about inclusion and encouraging all people to celebrate Matariki together. 

Key Details and Events around Auckland

• National Hautapu Ceremony: Hosted by mana whenua Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the official national ceremony will take place at Takaparawhau (Bastion Point) in Auckland on the morning of July 10. [1]
• Auckland Festival: Tāmaki Makaurau is the focal point for the 2026 celebrations. The official Matariki Festival features more than 100 free and low-cost events across the region from July 4 to July 19. [1, 2, 3, 4]
• Matariki ki te Manawa: The city centre is glowing with illuminated light trails, interactive experiences, and public artworks running June 15 until July 21. [1] https://waateanews.com/.../matariki-lights-up-tamaki.../
• Planetarium Experiences: To learn about the nine whetū (stars), purākau (stories), and the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar), check out the Te Whatu Stardome immersive shows running during the festival. [1]  Shows running June 25 to July 31.

Events in and around Pukekohe
The Matariki Festival 2026 has incredible family-friendly events right on your doorstep in Pukekohe. Because this year's regional host iwi is Ngāti Tamaoho (who hold mana whenua in Franklin), South Auckland is the central hub for several major celebrations. 

Here are the best family-friendly Matariki events happening in and around Pukekohe:

Te Hui Ahurei o Matariki (Festival Pou Event)
This is one of the main signature events for the entire region, co-hosted by Ngāti Tamaoho. It spans across two beautiful local heritage hubs and is completely free to attend. 

• What to expect: Delicious kai (food) stalls, live cultural performances, markets, kapa haka, and the highlight event: Whakarewa Manu (Kite Day) where massive, vibrant kites fill the sky.
• Date & Time: July 10 and July 11, 2026
• Venues: Nathan Homestead (Manurewa) and Ngā Hau e Whā Marae o Pukekohe (Nga Hau E Wha Marae, Pukekohe).
• Cost: Free entry [1]

Matariki Moments at Pukekohe Library
A localized, highly interactive morning tailored specifically for young tamariki and whānau. [1]

• What to expect: A special live Matariki Kapa Haka performance by Pukekohe Intermediate. Kids can participate in star-themed crafting, decorate cookies, and learn how to weave a traditional harakeke (flax) flower. You can also bring along any broken household goods to be fixed at the on-site Deanz Repair Cafe.
• Date & Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM
• Venue: Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe
• Cost: Free 

"Whenua Mai, Whenua Atu" Art Exhibition - Pukekohe
If you want a quieter, creative family outing, take the kids to explore local indigenous storytelling through art. [1]

• What to expect: A stunning contemporary fine art exhibition by prominent artist Nyle Turuwhenua, focusing on connections to the land and the meaning of Matariki.
• Date & Time: Running from June 20 to July 8, 2026 (Open from 9:30 AM daily)
• Venue: Franklin Arts Centre, Pukekohe
• Cost: Free entry [1, 2]

Free Robotics & Matariki 3D Design - Takanini
A short drive up the motorway, this event perfectly blends traditional winter star knowledge with modern technology for creative kids. [1]

• What to expect: An interactive workshop run by Brain Play where kids use robotics and 3D digital design software to build their own glowing Matariki star clusters.
• Date & Time: Monday, July 13, 2026, at 10:30 AM
• Venue: Takanini Library and Community Hub, 30 Walters Road, Tākanini
• Cost: Free, but bookings via Eventbrite are highly recommended. [1, 2, 3]

18 Jun 2026

You are warmly welcome to join our primary assembly tomorrow. 

Totara LIFEspace

8.50am

Year 1-6

Hosted by our Year 5s

17 Jun 2026

Dear Primary Parents and Caregivers,

We are delighted that many of our students enjoy spending time on the playground after school. To help us maintain a safe and secure environment, we kindly ask that all families vacate the school grounds by 3:15pm each day.

As staff responsibilities vary after school, there are times when staff members are offsite attending meetings, appointments, or other school commitments. To ensure the safety and security of our school, we need to be able to lock and secure the grounds in a timely manner each afternoon.

If you choose to use the playground after school, please remember that children must remain under the direct supervision of a parent or caregiver at all times and that all families leave the school grounds by 3:15pm.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Kind regards,

 

KingsGate Staff

 

17 Jun 2026

Good afternoon, parents and caregivers.

 

Please note that notices on Skool Loop that relate specifically to the primary school levels (Years 1–6) are posted to the Primary (Years 1–6) group, or to Puriri or Totara, depending on their relevance.

Earlier today, a notice regarding Three-Way Chats was sent out. If you did not receive this notice, now is a good time to check your Skool Loop subscriptions to ensure you are subscribed to all groups relevant to your child(ren).

Please make sure that all applicable groups are selected. This will ensure that you receive important communications and notices that are specific to your child’s year level, class, or school group.

This also applies to the High School year levels.

Thank you kindly.

 

KingsGate Staff

17 Jun 2026

Upcoming Three-Way Chats - Years 1–6

_{"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11}

We’re looking forward to our upcoming Three-Way Chats on Thursday, 2 July in Week 11. These are a valuable opportunity for students, whānau, and teachers to come together and discuss each child’s learning journey – celebrating progress and identifying next steps for continued growth.

⏱️ Time slots will run in 12-minute increments, so we kindly ask all families to be prompt to help us stay on schedule. Due to time constraints, if a longer discussion is needed, please arrange a separate time to meet with your child’s teacher. Meetings are held in the LIFEspace. Please book one session for your child’s whanau teacher. 

📲 Bookings are now open and can be made via the SkoolLoop app. Bookings will close on 3 pm Monday 29 June. Late bookings cannot be submitted.

 As teachers will be conducting Three-Way Chats, regular classes will not be held on this day. We strongly recommend that students remain at home during this time. Please note that there will be minimal teacher aide supervision for students available at school on the day. Please indicate via the booking form on SkoolLoop if you require this option. 

We look forward to meeting together to share in the celebration of your child’s learning thus far!

Blessings, 

Year 1-6 KingsGate teachers