Light entertainment for Matariki

Inky Eyles, 3, and Lily Hughes, 8, enjoy the lights at Kāhui Whetū in the Gore Gardens last night. PHOTO: GERRIT DOPPENBERG

Thousands of people turned out in Gore and hundreds more in Queenstown last night to welcome in Matariki, the Māori New Year.

Gore Gardens were lit up with a sparkling display from 5pm to 9pm for Kāhui Whetū, a bright and flashy festival where butterflies, disco lights, fire dancers, waiata and face painting were all on show. There was something for everyone as those attending wandered through the gardens on a warm evening.

On stage at the Matariki 2025 event at the Queenstown Memorial Centre last night are (from left) Mana Tāhuna Charitable Trust chief operating officer Ebony Webster, The Harmonic Resonators front man Jeremy Hantler, Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Glyn Lewers and Te Kaika chief executive Matt Matahaere. PHOTO: GUY WILLIAMS

And in Queenstown, about 120 people attended an event in the Queenstown Memorial Centre, which featured a three-course meal and performances by Tauranga band The Harmonic Resonators and Queenstown band The Kollective.

It is the second year the Mana Tāhuna Charitable Trust has organised the event in the resort to celebrate the Māori New Year. — APL