A seven week long programme of events is lined up for the Tauranga Moana Matariki Festival 2016 celebrating this year's theme ‘Our Place, Our Stories'.

The festival runs from June 6 until July 22.

The Matariki carvings on The Strand. File photo.

Traditionally, the rise of Matariki - the constellation of the seven sisters or the Pleiades - was a sign to ensure food crops had been harvested and the storehouses would be well stocked for the coming New Year.

Nowadays, Matariki has become a time of revitalisation and resurgence of Te Reo Māori and matauranga Māori traditions.

Matariki 2016 includes a diverse and engaging programme of more than 40 events including live performances, lectures, family events, dance and art, star-gazing, workshops and nature walks.

The majority of Matariki events are either free or gold-coin donation to attend and take place across Tauranga.

Matariki celebrations start with a dawn experience, a hikoi up Mauao led by traditional navigator Jack Thatcher to observe the rise of the Matariki star cluster from the city's iconic peak (June 6-10, 5.30am, daily, Mount Beachside Holiday Park).

Schools can join a wide range of workshops and challenges organised by Tauranga City Libraries, Baycourt and Te Puna i Rangiriri Trust in collaboration with the Department of Conservation.

Included are astronomy presentations, kite making, and they are invited to experience Matariki via science workshops and to participate in the inaugural Matariki Film Challenge (June 7 – July 22, various times, Mauao campground, Tauranga Libraries, Baycourt, Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic).

A full list of events is available on the Tauranga City Council website.