Storytelling and guided walks to celebrate Matariki Maori New Year

Locals are invited to a magical free evening to welcome Matariki – the Maori New Year.

Rotorua District Council (RDC) and Rotorua Arts Village are holding their Matariki programmes simultaneously on Monday 20 June from 5pm.

Kaikorero Purakau (The Storytellers), supported by RDC and Rotorua Trust, will feature the storytelling talents of Aunty Bea, Brian Potiki, Kingi Biddle and Te Awhimate Tait in an intimate setting at the Te Runanga Tearooms, while Josie Scott and Gay Kingi will host guided walks in Government Gardens.

RDC community arts officer Kiri Jarden says the event promises to be a magical evening for the whole family to enjoy.

“Guided walk areas will be lit up to capture illuminating views of the steam, memorials, artworks, and architecture and to direct people safely along pathways.

“Artist Okiwi Logan Shipgood will be carving in the Band Rotunda, while later in the evening there’ll be exciting fire poi. There’s something for everyone over the four hours.”

At the same time Rotorua Arts Village will be opening its Matariki exhibition at 5pm and will feature works of nine local Maori and Pacific Island artists. In addition, arts village-based tattooist Derek Savea will be hosting a Taa Moko Symposium from July 4-6.

The rise of the Matariki or Pleiades star constellation this year on 4 June heralded the beginning of celebrations around the country.