2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Renewal, reflection, connection for Puaka Matariki
As Puaka and Matariki rise in the predawn skies, Ōtepoti Dunedin is preparing to welcome the Māori New Year with the Puaka Matariki Festival — a month-long celebration of renewal, reflection and connection.
Now in its 15th year in Ōtepoti, the festival will run from June 14 to July 12.
The programme will include 26 events, including a traditional hautapu (sacred offering) ceremony, the sharing of kai, kapa haka performances and the return of the festival's spectacular drone show lighting up the winter night.
Puaka Matariki Festival co-ordinator Rewa Pene said in a statement: "From marae to museums, this year's festival will have something for everyone — and that's the whole idea".
The Puaka Matariki Festival was created in 2009 with a clear kaupapa to include everyone — Māori and non-Māori alike — in celebrating the richness of te ao Māori and the turning of the year.
"The aim has always been to recognise Matariki's significance and bring communities together to learn, share and grow. That inclusive intent remains at the heart of the festival today," Ms Pene said.
Highlights will include:
• A dawn hautapu ceremony and 3-day wānaka at Puketeraki Marae, including a Te Tiriti o Waitangi workshop.
• A hautapu ceremony at Araiteuru Marae as part of the "Hara Mai te Toki" on June 20, 5am-9am.
• The public launch ceremony "Matariki Ahuka Nui" on June 20, from 6.45am at Tūhura Otago Museum Reserve.
• The drone light show "Matariki mā Puaka" on June 21, 5.30pm-9pm, at Logan Park.
• The exclusive Dunedin film premiere of Kōkā on June 18, from 6.15pm, at Rialto Cinemas. — APL
