Latest news with #MataiaKeepa
Scoop
12-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Rotorua set to shine bright this Matariki with the return of the ARONUI Drone Show
Press Release – Rotorua New Zealand This years theme, Matariki m Puanga, is all about inclusion, embracing diversity, and celebrating together. Rotorua is fast becoming 'the' destination to acknowledge and celebrate Matariki, with jam-packed schedule of events, music, activities and a sacred dawn ceremony – all of which enable locals and manuhiri alike to share the tikanga and magic that Matariki brings. This year's theme, Matariki mā Puanga, is all about inclusion, embracing diversity, and celebrating together. Matariki adviser Mataia Keepa (Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa) says Matariki – the Māori New Year – is a time to reflect on those who have passed, give thanks for the present, and plan for the future. 'Matariki was tied to the land, and those who occupied it initiated practices on how best to prepare. These traditions continue today, and all of these events in Rotorua help us connect through kai, kōrero, music and shared experience.' Set against the backdrop of Rotorua's geothermal landscapes, these events promise to bring the community together in meaningful, uplifting ways. 'It's a beautiful time to be in our city, and it's particularly special to be able to share our traditions with new generations, cultures, locals and manuhiri. Together, we are creating a new legacy around Matariki.' As Matariki is more than just a single public holiday, Keepa gifted the name 'Matawiki' to Rotorua, to acknowledge a full wiki (week) of connection, remembrance and celebration. Mayor Tania Tapsell says Rotorua is fast becoming the top destination to celebrate Matariki. 'We really made a mark last year with a drone show on our Lakefront and we can't wait to build on this for 2025. We're so grateful for the opportunity to support and promote all the incredible people and organisations in our community contributing to these memorable and powerful Matariki events in Rotorua. 'The Matariki stars shine on everyone, and I really encourage locals and visitors to embrace the values of inclusion and coming together as a community as we celebrate in June'. Matariki highlights in Rotorua include: Tohunga Tūmau Dinner – A five-course indigenous dining experience celebrating Māori cuisine, on 13 June at the Energy Events Centre. Aronui Arts Festival Drone Show – A captivating Matariki storytelling experience featuring drones and light displays on 19 & 20 June at the Rotorua Lakefront. Rotorua Night Market – An expanded market with kai, crafts and stalls from past Aronui Māori Market vendors, alongside regular favourites, coinciding with the Drone Show on 19 & 20 June at the Rotorua Lakefront. Ngāti Whakaue Hautapu – Iwi-led, traditional Matariki New Year ceremony held on the morning of 20 June at Whakatāhuna Ngaru, a specific land section of what is widely known as the Rotorua Lakefront. Matariki Hautapu Ceremony – A sacred dawn ceremony of remembrance, gratitude, and renewal, held on 20 June at Te Puia. Whānau Fun Day at Te Puia – An interactive celebration for the whole family with activities and entertainment on 20 June at Te Puia. Te Mātahi o te Tau featuring 1814 – Celebrate the Māori New Year with live music from 1814, supported by Jordyn with a Why and R67, on 21 June at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Matariki Glow Show – A free, bilingual theatre performance for tamariki, on 22 June at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Te Puia Matariki Buffet Dinners – Enjoy seasonal dishes inspired by the stars of Matariki, Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi, Waitī and Waitā, every Thursday and Friday throughout June at Te Puia. For more information on these events, visit RotoruaNZ proudly supports the mahi of the many event organisers and creatives bringing these events to life. By amplifying their efforts, the goal is to make sure everyone in Rotorua knows what's on and feels welcome to take part.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Rotorua set to shine bright this Matariki with the return of the ARONUI Drone Show
Rotorua is fast becoming 'the' destination to acknowledge and celebrate Matariki, with jam-packed schedule of events, music, activities and a sacred dawn ceremony – all of which enable locals and manuhiri alike to share the tikanga and magic that Matariki brings. This year's theme, Matariki mā Puanga, is all about inclusion, embracing diversity, and celebrating together. Matariki adviser Mataia Keepa (Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa) says Matariki – the Māori New Year – is a time to reflect on those who have passed, give thanks for the present, and plan for the future. 'Matariki was tied to the land, and those who occupied it initiated practices on how best to prepare. These traditions continue today, and all of these events in Rotorua help us connect through kai, kōrero, music and shared experience.' Set against the backdrop of Rotorua's geothermal landscapes, these events promise to bring the community together in meaningful, uplifting ways. 'It's a beautiful time to be in our city, and it's particularly special to be able to share our traditions with new generations, cultures, locals and manuhiri. Together, we are creating a new legacy around Matariki.' As Matariki is more than just a single public holiday, Keepa gifted the name 'Matawiki' to Rotorua, to acknowledge a full wiki (week) of connection, remembrance and celebration. Mayor Tania Tapsell says Rotorua is fast becoming the top destination to celebrate Matariki. 'We really made a mark last year with a drone show on our Lakefront and we can't wait to build on this for 2025. We're so grateful for the opportunity to support and promote all the incredible people and organisations in our community contributing to these memorable and powerful Matariki events in Rotorua. 'The Matariki stars shine on everyone, and I really encourage locals and visitors to embrace the values of inclusion and coming together as a community as we celebrate in June'. Matariki highlights in Rotorua include: Tohunga Tūmau Dinner – A five-course indigenous dining experience celebrating Māori cuisine, on 13 June at the Energy Events Centre. Aronui Arts Festival Drone Show – A captivating Matariki storytelling experience featuring drones and light displays on 19 & 20 June at the Rotorua Lakefront. Rotorua Night Market – An expanded market with kai, crafts and stalls from past Aronui Māori Market vendors, alongside regular favourites, coinciding with the Drone Show on 19 & 20 June at the Rotorua Lakefront. Ngāti Whakaue Hautapu – Iwi-led, traditional Matariki New Year ceremony held on the morning of 20 June at Whakatāhuna Ngaru, a specific land section of what is widely known as the Rotorua Lakefront. Matariki Hautapu Ceremony – A sacred dawn ceremony of remembrance, gratitude, and renewal, held on 20 June at Te Puia. Whānau Fun Day at Te Puia – An interactive celebration for the whole family with activities and entertainment on 20 June at Te Puia. Te Mātahi o te Tau featuring 1814 – Celebrate the Māori New Year with live music from 1814, supported by Jordyn with a Why and R67, on 21 June at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Matariki Glow Show – A free, bilingual theatre performance for tamariki, on 22 June at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Te Puia Matariki Buffet Dinners – Enjoy seasonal dishes inspired by the stars of Matariki, Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi, Waitī and Waitā, every Thursday and Friday throughout June at Te Puia. For more information on these events, visit RotoruaNZ proudly supports the mahi of the many event organisers and creatives bringing these events to life. By amplifying their efforts, the goal is to make sure everyone in Rotorua knows what's on and feels welcome to take part.
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Aronui Announces The Return Of The Matariki Drone Show
The stars are set to align once again above Kouramāwhitiwhiti (Rotorua Lakefront), as Aronui Arts Festival prepares for the launch of a brand new drone show this Matariki June 19 & 20. The free outdoor event that will feature hundreds of drones painting stories across the night sky in a mesmerising blend of light, sound, and narration created by Ngāti Whakaue/ Te Arawa artists. The performance- set to begin at 8pm each night- will honour those who have passed in the last year since the rising and setting of Matariki, lifting their memory to the stars where they will be forever remembered by their loved ones. 'It's more than a show — it's a spiritual moment,' says Mataia Keepa, the Rotorua-based tohunga reo on the creative team. 'It's a time to reflect, to grieve, and to remember together under one sky.' Last year, Aronui's drone show attracted over 30,000 people, combining cutting-edge technology with ancient knowledge in a world-first tribute to the Māori New Year. Aronui CE/ Artistic Director Cian Elyse White says the positive response from the community inspired a bolder return; 'The energy last year was electric- there was such a positive vibe in the city, with people travelling from across the motu to see the show. Matariki holds deep meaning for Māori, and it's wonderful to see the new year being embraced by the wider community'. This year, tohunga reo/ taonga puoro artist Dr. Anaha Hiini joins the team, crafting a live soundscape using traditional Māori instruments to accompany the visual storytelling alongside taonga puoro artist Riki Bennett. For the first time, the entire performance- narrative and music- will be broadcast live on Te Arawa FM, expanding its reach across the region. 'I want it to illuminate the stories, meanings, and traditions behind this sacred time. The show should offer both education and inspiration, helping people not only to understand Matariki, but to feel its presence, history and relevance in our lives today' says Dr. Hiini. The Matariki drone show is the centrepiece of a larger celebration. From 5pm to 9pm each evening, an expanded Rotorua Night Market will showcase food, crafts, and stalls from past Aronui Māori Market vendors alongside regular favourites - turning the lakefront into a vibrant place to spend the Matariki long weekend.
NZ Herald
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Matariki drone show to return to Rotorua with stunning night sky display
'It's more than a show — it's a spiritual moment,' Mataia Keepa, a Rotorua-based member of the creative team, said. 'It's a time to reflect, to grieve, and to remember together under one sky.' Last year, Aronui's drone show attracted over 30,000 people, 'combining cutting-edge technology with ancient knowledge in a world-first tribute to the Māori New Year'. Aronui chief executive and artistic director Cian Elyse White said the positive response from the community inspired a bolder return. 'The energy last year was electric — there was such a positive vibe in the city, with people travelling from across the motu to see the show. 'Matariki holds deep meaning for Māori, and it's wonderful to see the new year being embraced by the wider community.' This year, taonga puoro artist Dr Anaha Hiini joins the team, crafting a live soundscape using traditional Māori instruments to accompany the visual storytelling alongside taonga puoro artist Riki Bennett. For the first time, the entire performance, narrative and music, will be broadcast live on Te Arawa FM, expanding its reach across the region. 'I want it to illuminate the stories, meanings, and traditions behind this sacred time.' The show should offer both education and inspiration, helping people not only to understand Matariki, but to feel its presence, history and relevance in our lives today, Hiini said. The Matariki drone show is the centrepiece of a larger celebration. From 5pm to 9pm each evening, an expanded Rotorua Night Market will showcase food, crafts, and stalls from past Aronui Māori Market vendors alongside regular favourites, turning the lakefront into a vibrant place to spend the Matariki long weekend.
