COMMUNITY EVENTS
Mānawa mai a te putanga o Matariki.
Mānawa mai a te ariki o te rangi.
Mānawa mai a te mātahi o te tau
Hail the rise of Matariki
Hail the lord of the sky
Hail the New Year
Matariki is the Māori tradition that marks the rising of the star cluster Matariki Pleiades. Matariki signals the start of the Māori new year and is a time of commemorating the passing of loved ones, making plans for the upcoming year, feastings, celebrating and giving thanks for the harvest.
Tīrama Kahawai Illuminated Parade
Thursday 9 July
5pm to 8pm
Civic Square, Corner of Karamu Rd South and Lyndon Rd West, Hastings
Free entry
Entertainment: DJ music, lantern competition, storytelling by Pereri King, Kahurangi Dance Company, local kapa haka groups, illuminated parade, food vendors and community activities.
Tirama Kahawai to Illuminate Hastings in a Spectacular New Matariki Celebration
A dazzling new Matariki tradition is set to light up the heart of Hastings this winter, as Tirama Kahawai – The Illuminated Parade makes its premiere on Thursday 9 July from 5pm–8pm at Civic Square.
Presented by Ngā Toi Creative Hawke’s Bay, with financial support from Hastings District Council and artistic support from Public Dreams Trust, this free community event promises an unforgettable evening of light, art, culture, storytelling, food and connection.
At the centre of the celebration stands Ngā Pou o Heretaunga, nineteen illuminated poles representing the marae of Heretaunga, arranged in the celestial pattern of the Matariki star cluster itself. For one magical night, earth and sky will seem to merge as the constellation appears beneath our feet.
Adding to the wonder are seven glowing orb installations created by internationally acclaimed designer David Trubridge, alongside hundreds of handcrafted community lanterns carried by local families, schools and community groups. Together they will form a moving river of light flowing through Civic Square.
Towering above the stage will be Te Wheke Harikoa – The Happy Octopus, a five-metre illuminated sculpture welcoming all who attend. The evening begins with the sounding of conch shell horns before giant glowing kahawai fish lead the illuminated parade through Civic Square.
Entertainment throughout the evening includes DJ dance music, captivating storytelling by Pereri King, performances by Kahurangi Dance Company, local kapa haka groups, and judging of the community lantern competition. Competition entrants have been invited to create lanterns inspired by the themes of Matariki using regenerative and sustainable materials, with prizes including David Trubridge lights, school visits and family experiences.
As the parade concludes, participants will gather in a giant circle symbolising unity and belonging – one person, one family, one community, one Hastings.
Visitors can also enjoy Matariki-inspired flavours from 5 food vendors offering a wide variety of food dishes.
The name Tirama Kahawai means “sparkling kahawai” or “twinkling kahawai”, honouring both the brilliance of the Matariki stars and the abundant fish that have sustained Kahungunu and Hastings communities for generations. Strong, resilient and thriving together in schools, the kahawai embodies many of the values celebrated during Matariki.
For one extraordinary night, Hastings itself will become a living constellation of light – and a new annual tradition will be born.