A truly special moment
The Pleiades star cluster is particularly visible in the Berlin night sky during the winter. In New Zealand, these stars are called “Matariki”—their first appearance at dawn toward the end of June marks the beginning of the new year in the Māori lunar calendar.
Image gallery
Zeiss-Großplanetarium
Since 2022, Matariki has been a public holiday in New Zealand—this year it falls on June 20.
The Zeiss Grand Planetarium invites you to a very special “Starry Moment”: Travel from Berlin to the starry skies of New Zealand. In collaboration with the group “Kia Ora Berlin,” you’ll discover the cultural significance of Matariki, immerse yourself in ancient Māori myths, and embark on a journey through space via a 360° projection, exploring celestial bodies up close.
Kia Ora Berlin is a group of New Zealanders in Berlin that regularly organizes events and brings the diversity of New Zealand culture to Germany.
The event will be held in English and is part of a larger Matariki celebration at the Planetarium on June 20. The New Zealand Embassy is proud to recognize and celebrate Matariki, as it holds deep cultural significance and embodies values that are important to all New Zealanders. Matariki is a time to honor the departed, show gratitude for the here and now, and plan for the future.
The Zeiss Großplanetarium invites you to join a small reception at 9:15 p.m. following the “Sternstunde” to continue celebrating Matariki and its meaningful traditions.
Starting at 6:00 p.m., there will be a related short film program in the cinema hall: “New Zealand in Shorts”—immerse yourself in cinematic narratives with a program of short documentaries, and the group “Kia Ora Berlin” will offer insights into the significance and myths surrounding Matariki.
IN ENGLISH
Additional information
Dates
July 2026
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