Wairarapa
MATARIKI HUNGA NUI WAIRARAPA
MANY PEOPLE GATHER FOR MATARIKI
Masterton 30th June to 2nd July
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 MATARIKI
LIGHT GLOW
Thursday 30th June to Saturday 2 July
Time: 6.00pm to 9.00pm. Where: Waipoua Island, Lake of Remembrance, QE 11 Park, Dixon Street, Masterton. Free entry. Everyone welcome.
Third annual festival of light to celebrate Matariki in Wairarapa.
Masterton will host glowing stones and light displays depicting Ngāti Kahungunu stories about the stars as part of the region’s annual light festival to celebrate Matariki.
Waipoua Island on Remembrance Lake will be transformed and trees lit up as part of the festival being held to celebrate the Māori new year.
The festival is named Tirama, which means to bring light or illuminate. It will light up the popular kiddies play park zone for three nights.
Visitors cross the bridge and under Ngā Whetu o Matariki Waharoa – star gateway and follow a trail of luminous stones, a traditional practise used by Ngāti Pahauwera in Mohaka 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.
Ride the night express run by the Masterton Miniature Railway volunteers. $1 a ride. Best times are early or late to avoid long waits.
Dress warm in layered clothing with comfortable runners.