Wanaka’s tenth official Matariki celebrations will take place this Saturday (July 25), following uncertainty the event could not be held because of the impact of COVID-19.

Now, Kahu Youth worker Richard Elvey said the Kahu Youth Trust is gearing up for the biggest event of the year for the trust.

“This year is going to be huge, with workshops, cultural and community performances, a community hāngi by donation, a mind-blowing fire show, two huge bonfires on the beach and a spectacular fireworks display,” he said.

Matariki is the Māori new year, a time to come together, cast away old problems and move ahead with a fresh outlook on life, Richard said.

He said the Wanaka event could not go ahead without the “amazing support” of the community.

“Everything from the hāngi prep to set-up, pack down and stewarding and all the workshops and performances are volunteer led. We want to give a big thank you to all of our amazing volunteers, schools and community organisations,” he said.

Major sponsors this year are the Queenstown Lakes District Council, Radio Wanaka, and Creative Communities, as well as “all the wonderful local people and businesses who donate and put their time, love and energy into making this happen”, Richard said. 

“We really couldn’t do it without you all.”

The free community celebration will take place on Saturday July 25 at the Dinosaur Park, Wanaka lakefront, from 2.30-6:15pm. There will be a wet weather contingency of July 26.

Wanaka’s public Matariki celebrations started modestly in 2010, with a potluck dinner at the Wanaka Arts Centre which about 40 people attended.

PHOTO: Wanaka App