Musician Darcy Kerr (above) welcomed guests to Te Rau Aroha Marae in Bluff with a mix of local tunes. PHOTO: BEN TOMSETT : Day’s events ‘surpassed expectations’

Kapa Haka Hapuri, of Tapanui, performs at Gore’s Matariki festival at the Waimumu field days shed yesterday. The group was one of several to perform during the day among school bands, kapa haka groups and local musicians. PHOTO: MICHAEL CURREEN : Day’s events ‘surpassed expectations’

People flocked to the bright and colourful lights of the Gore Gardens during Kahui Whetu on Thursday. The two-hour event attracted hundreds of people. PHOTO: MICHAEL CURREEN : Day’s events ‘surpassed expectations’

The Arrowtown Primary School Kapa Haka group performed waiata new and old for the masses that flocked to Arrowtown’s Buckingham Green for the Matariki Lights Festival. PHOTO: LUCY WORMALD : Day’s events ‘surpassed expectations’

Maniototo Community Kapa Haka founders Lauren Becker (left) and Amie Pont formed the group earlier this year. It had its debut performance at the Naseby Matariki celebrations yesterday. PHOTO: SHANNON THOMSON : Day’s events ‘surpassed expectations’