Tamaki-Nui-
A-Rua
MATARIKI HUNGA NUI
TĀMAKI NUI-A-RUA
MANY PEOPLE GATHER FOR MATARIKI
Dannevirke 8th to 10th June
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 for commemorating the passing of loved ones, making plans for the coming year, feasting and celebrating.
TĪRAMA
LUMINATE LIGHT TRAIL
Wednesday 8th to Friday 10th June - Cancelled due to severe weather conditions
Time: 6.00pm to 9.00pm. Where: The Domain, Corner State Highway 2 & Christian Street, Dannevirke. Free entry. Everyone welcome.
Inaugural festival of light to celebrate Matariki in Dannevirke.
Dannevirke will host glowing stones and light displays depicting Ngati Kahungunu stories about the stars as part of the region’s first light festival to celebrate Matariki.
The Domain will be transformed and trees lit up as part of the inaugural festival being held to celebrate the Māori new year.
The festival is named Tīrama, which means to bring light or illuminate. It will light up the popular kiddies play park zone for three nights.
Visitors enter The Domain through Te Waharoa Nga Whetu o Matariki – Matariki star gateway and follow a trail of luminous stones, a traditional practise used by Ngāti Pahauwera to guide them at night following the reflective glow of the opunga stone in moonlight. The trail leads to light displays, some interactive and playful as you learn about Matariki.
Over three nights we welcome the public to write a name and message for someone they lost during the year or a wish of hope for the future. Mount your message on a waka lantern (provided) to float in the Domain Fountain.
The event will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display on Friday 10th June at 9pm.
Dress warm in layered clothing with comfortable runners.
HĀKARI MATARIKI
FEAST MATARIKI
Friday 22 July (This event posponed from 10 June due to severe weather conditions)
Time: 6pm to 8.00pm. Where: The Upper Domain, Corner State Highway 2 & Christian Street, Dannevirke. Free entry. Everyone welcome.
Dress up warm to energise the soul and warm the senses in the chill of winter to celebrate Matariki on Friday 22 July.
The Domain will come alive with Feast Matariki so find a table, pull up a seat and join us at this national food celebration with live entertainment, and a place of connection, remembrance and renewal for all.
There’s singers, dancers, kapa haka, bands, and hip hop dancers.
The finale is a spectacular fireworks display.
Come share this special time of the year with us in Tararua