The Matariki Cultural Foundation is an independent non for profit charitable trust. We were established 12 years ago as Tamaki Makaurau Matariki Festival Trust (the Trust) by Auckland's legacy councils to be an independent charitable trust outside of Council. 

Our objectives were to apply for funding to support regional Nga Toi Maori programming and where possible build cultural sector capability.

Between 2010 to 2014 the trust programmed for Films on Marae, Music (Tiramarama), Oceania Music Series, and held the major sponsorship with 2Degrees for 3 years.  Outside of the festival time the trust organised to celebrate the first ever International Jazz Day in 2013 with Auckland Museum and Maori/Pacific Musicians. Under the auspicious of George Te Aroha Kahithe he spent time recording and translating well known tunes into Te Reo Maori with Maori Musicians; Alana Goldsmith,  June Pittman,  Maree Sheehan and Emma Paki and others.

Since 2016  the Trust has attended the past four WOMEX (World Music Expo's) to scope the potential  to present and promote Indigenous Maori and Pacific Music to the biggest conference of the global music scene, featuring a trade fair, talks, films and a showcase festival.

In 2019 we rebranded and made the transition to the Matariki Cultural Foundation to facilitate exposure, networking, capacity building and indigenous music promotion.

The 'Matariki' name holds cultural importance as the celestial pathway of new beginnings and remembering those who have lead the way.