MID WINTER CERAMICS FESTIVAL
"where earth meets sky"
Matariki Weekend
Friday July 10th & Saturday July 11th, 2026
Join us in Ōtaki for a special Matariki celebration of ceramics, community, and creativity |
This two day event brings together local artists, hands on experiences, and a vibrant festival atmosphere, set alongside the Ōtaki Māori Racing Club.
Immerse yourself in the Matariki cultural narratives and explore the magic of ceramics. Take home your own pottery treasures and enjoy diverse activities, engaging exhibits, delightful cuisine, beautiful music, and more.
Whakarongorongo ki ngā kōrero ahurea o Matariki me te tūhuratanga i te mākutu o ngā rauemi keramika. Kākahu atu i ōu taonga keramika, ā, whakangahau i ngā kaupapa rerekē, ngā whakaaturanga whakaoho, ngā kai reka, ngā waiata ātaahua, me te nui atu.
Celebrating Matariki
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Embracing the celestial beauty of Matariki, Star Glaze promises to be a dazzling showcase of creativity and craftsmanship.
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Dawn Ceremony
Join us for an opening ceremony and breakfast to celebrate Matariki, marking renewal and reflection. Let's share kai together as we kick off the festivities in connection with the Māori New Year.
Hono mai ki a mātou mō te hui whakatuwhera me te parakuihi hei whakanui i a Matariki, e tohu ana i te whakahou me te whakaaroaro. Me kākahu kai tahi tātou hei tīmatanga i ngā hākari, i runga i te hononga ki te Tau Hou Māori.
Hono mai ki a mātou mō te hui whakatuwhera me te parakuihi hei whakanui i a Matariki, e tohu ana i te whakahou me te whakaaroaro. Me kākahu kai tahi tātou hei tīmatanga i ngā hākari, i runga i te hononga ki te Tau Hou Māori.
Friday 10 July, race day experience
Friday is all about energy, activity, and community, as Star Glaze takes place during the OMRC Race Day.
10am - 4pm
It is a lively and fun day out, with something for everyone.
Enjoy:
Have a go experiences
On Friday you can take part in:
There is no extra cost to participate in these activities or to view the exhibition.
We will be accepting koha on the day, which helps support pottery classes for children and young people in our community.
Entry
There is a $10 gate charge for the Race Day, payable on entry to the venue.
10am - 4pm
It is a lively and fun day out, with something for everyone.
Enjoy:
- Live horse racing
- Food trucks and refreshments
- Bouncy castle and face painting
- A busy, social festival atmosphere
- The Star Glaze ceramics exhibition
- Pottery club activities and demonstrations
- Have a go experiences
Have a go experiences
On Friday you can take part in:
- Pottery wheel throwing
- Handbuilding
- Weaving
There is no extra cost to participate in these activities or to view the exhibition.
We will be accepting koha on the day, which helps support pottery classes for children and young people in our community.
Entry
There is a $10 gate charge for the Race Day, payable on entry to the venue.
Saturday 11 July, Raku and exhibition
Saturday offers a more relaxed and creative experience, centred around the magic of Raku firing.
10am - 4pm
The last Raku firing is at 1 pm or when we sell out of bisqueware.
Raku is a fast pottery firing method where hot pieces are taken straight from the kiln and cooled in materials like sawdust, creating high-lustre, crackled glazes and smoky, unpredictable patterns.
Raku firing
Purchase a piece, paint it your way, then watch the magic as it is taken from the Raku kiln, glowing hot, and transformed into a one-of-a-kind finish. This is always a highlight and a great experience to witness.
Exhibition and gallery
Clay experiences for children and adults
While the full “have a go” activities are not running on Saturday, there will still be opportunities for adults and children to get hands-on with clay in the club rooms.
Entry
There is no gate charge or extra cost to view the exhibition or visit the OPC club rooms on Saturday. We will be accepting koha on the day, which helps support pottery classes for children and young people in our community.
If you would like to participate in the Raku firing, there is a small charge for your bisqueware. You are welcome to watch the Raku firing and participate in the other activities free of charge.
10am - 4pm
The last Raku firing is at 1 pm or when we sell out of bisqueware.
Raku is a fast pottery firing method where hot pieces are taken straight from the kiln and cooled in materials like sawdust, creating high-lustre, crackled glazes and smoky, unpredictable patterns.
Raku firing
Purchase a piece, paint it your way, then watch the magic as it is taken from the Raku kiln, glowing hot, and transformed into a one-of-a-kind finish. This is always a highlight and a great experience to witness.
Exhibition and gallery
- The Star Glaze exhibition will remain open
- The Tote Modern Gallery in the club rooms will also be open to visitors
Clay experiences for children and adults
While the full “have a go” activities are not running on Saturday, there will still be opportunities for adults and children to get hands-on with clay in the club rooms.
Entry
There is no gate charge or extra cost to view the exhibition or visit the OPC club rooms on Saturday. We will be accepting koha on the day, which helps support pottery classes for children and young people in our community.
If you would like to participate in the Raku firing, there is a small charge for your bisqueware. You are welcome to watch the Raku firing and participate in the other activities free of charge.
Raffle
Be sure to grab a ticket in our event raffle, with a range of great prizes on offer.
Whether you are keen to get hands on, explore local ceramics, or simply enjoy a great day out, Star Glaze is a unique winter event not to be missed.
Whether you are keen to get hands on, explore local ceramics, or simply enjoy a great day out, Star Glaze is a unique winter event not to be missed.
The festival has kindly been supported by
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