Hundreds enjoy Matariki

More than a thousand people turned up for this year’s final Matariki celebration on Saturday at the Ngā Purapura centre in Ōtaki.

Local bands entertained along with workshops for adults and children, a jam room where kids could talk to local musicians and have a go on a range of instruments, kite and jewellery making, cupcake decorating and Māori games.

“What an awesome free winter event for families,” says Waikanae resident Lloyd Bosrich.

“My son loved the jam room with some incredible musicians in there and my eight year old loved all the craft things to do. Ōtaki has a hidden jewel with Nga Purapura, we had never heard of the place before.”

Te Rehia Lake-Perez from Te Puāwaitanga o Ngā Kākano, who organised the event in partnership with the Council, says they were really thrilled with how the day went.

“There was a great vibe with all sorts of people coming along from across the district. It was great looking around and seeing people chatting while doing Matariki-inspired activities or just hanging out and listening to the music.”

The event closed six weeks of Matariki events held in different parts of the district.