Matariki Whānau Festival

Wrap up warm and join us for this annual mid-winter festival to celebrate the rise of the Matariki star cluster heralding the arrival of the Maori New Year.

Write a message of love onto a water lantern, make a wish and launch it onto Backpaddock Lake.

There's soloists, bands, kapa haka and hip hop dancers. Enjoy a range of hot kiwi kai on offer. There's kiddies rides and slides and a spectacular fireworks display rounds off the night.

Free return buses will be operating from Porangahau, Takapau, Waipukurau and Waipawa. Contact us for details. 06 858 7206 (Office hours).

Everyone welcome to this free event.

Thanks to our funders Te Puni Kokiri - Ministry of Māori Development and Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc and supporters Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea and Central FM.