It’s that time of the year when winter brings a twinkle in the eastern skies to herald the arrival of Matariki, the Pleiades star cluster. This is the signal to celebrate, give thanks for the harvest and remember loved ones. Delicious Māori foods will be shared, stories retold, new knowledge learnt, creativity admired and memorable songs enjoyed.
Te Ara Rama Matariki Light Trail, now in it’s 7th year, is an annual free-to-the-public outdoor lighting festival combining light, music and creativity across nine themes. The light trail runs for eight nights in Maybury Reserve, two minutes walk from the Glen Innes shopping village and the train and bus transport hub.
Dress warm in layered clothing and wear walking shoes.
The light trail starts at Te Oro Music and Art Centre, Performances take place there every night at 7pm. Entry is free of charge. www.teoro.org.nz
The Glen Innes Business Association is running an array of scrumptious food stalls every night at the festival.
PAK’'nSAVE Glen Innes Matariki Fireworks Spectacular will light up the night sky at 9.30pm Saturday 21st July for the festival finale. Last year’s event attracted over 10,000 visitors.
We live in a great place and this is our very own new year festival. Matariki is a Māori celebration for all New Zealanders to enjoy. It’s a time for fun, feasting and festivity.
Nau mai. Haere mai.
Te Rangi Huata
Chairman Public Dreams Charitable Trust
Gary Holmes
Manager, Glen Innes Business Association