Community Matariki celebration returns to Majestic Square
Published on 04 July 2023
Whanganui’s town centre will once again play host to a free community event marking the Matariki and Puanga season – with live entertainment, fun activities and kai on Friday 14 July in Majestic Square.
Formerly Puanga Rising, this year’s event name Atu I Puanga Ki Matariki acknowledges the importance of Puanga (also known as Rigel) to Whanganui Iwi, while recognising that other closely located iwi await the dawn rising of Matariki to celebrate the start of the Aotearoa New Year.
Presented by Mainstreet Whanganui, Whanganui Māori Regional Tourism Organisation and Whanganui District Council, the event will run from 5.30pm–9.00pm with an eclectic mix of food, artwork, interactive activities and entertainment, including talented tamariki from TKKM o Te Ātihau and Te Kura o Kōkōhuia.
Whanganui Māori Regional Tourism Organisation Chairman, Hayden Potaka, says Atu I Puanga Ki Matariki will be a chance for visitors and locals alike to engage with Māori culture, learn about the significance of Puanga, and enjoy an exciting range of performances and activities.
“Through this collaboration, we hope to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of Puanga. It is an excellent opportunity for people to connect with the local community, discover the beauty of Whanganui, and gain insights into the customs and traditions passed down through generations.”
Mainstreet Whanganui General Manager, Des Warahi, says his team is excited to once again be a part of this special time for remembrance – celebrating the past, present and future.
“We’re really looking forward to building on the success of last year’s event in the second year of Matariki being celebrated as a national public holiday. Last year it was heartening to see so many people from across our community come together to celebrate and reflect.”
Whanganui Mayor, Andrew Tripe, says it’s fantastic to see a range of local organisations teaming up to mark Matariki and Puanga with a fun, family-friendly celebration for the whole community.
“This event, managed by Whanganui Tech Services, will showcase Whanganui’s creative talent with digital art projections, special lighting, and artworks created through workshops at Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui earlier this year. There’ll also be ngā taonga tākaro (traditional Māori games) organised by Sport Whanganui, delicious kai from local vendors and of course a range of talented local performers.”
Mayor Tripe says it’s important to acknowledge this event wouldn’t be possible without the funding successfully sought from the Manatū Taonga’s (Ministry for Culture and Heritage) Te Kāhui o Matariki fund.
“Whanganui has its own unique relationship with Matariki and Puanga going back many, many generations. So it’s important we’re able to acknowledge and celebrate this special time of year as a community – and I’m very thankful that the Manatū Taonga’s funding is enabling us to do that. Puanga is a symbolic time to reflect on the past, honour those who have passed away, and contemplate our aspirations for the future. This applies to our individual journey as well as our aspirations for the wider community.”
The event will be strictly alcohol, vape, and smoke-free. The full line up for entertainment will be announced shortly via the official Facebook event page: https://fb.me/e/4jDqS2BEg
In the case of wet weather the event will be held on held on Sunday, 16 July at the same time and place. Please check the Facebook event page on Wednesday 12 July for details.
For more information or media enquiries, please email Geoff Follett at Mainstreet Whanganui geoff@mainstreetwhanganui.co.nz