Lantern Workshop co-ordinator Phillipa Crofskey said toetoe stalks were ideal for creating the frames of giant lightweight, hand-held lanterns.
"The dead stalks are light, yet firm.
It's quite a bit of work collecting them but it's great to be using a local resource - and it's totally sustainable too."
Mrs Crofskey said about 300 lanterns would be made in public workshops on June 7 and 8 and June 14 and 15 (from 10am-3pm) at the Community Gallery in Princes St, Dunedin.
Anyone could make a lantern and all materials would be provided for a donation, Mrs Crofsky said.
However, construction took up to two hours.
Participants were advised to book ahead on (03) 482-1274 as places were limited.
Everyone who built a lantern in the workshops could carry it in the Procession of the Night at the carnival on June 21.
The carnival would include fireworks, food stalls, music and performers, she said.
