In a statement Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua representative Fiona Pimm said Matariki Mackenzie offered an opportunity for mana whenua, local community and visitors to mark the start of the Māori new year together in a spectacular natural setting.
"This year’s event on Friday and Saturday will feature a night market in Takapō [Lake Tekapo] Square and Tīrama Mai lighting installations which will be illuminated from 4.30pm-6.30pm and then turned off so people can appreciate the natural light of the stars.
"Following this, some of our rangatahi will be sharing a kōrero about mātai aroraki (Māori astronomy) at the Takapō [Lake Tekapo] sundial from 8pm on Friday evening.
"Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua is pleased to host this community event and we are appreciative of the support provided by our principal event partner Genesis."
Entry to Matariki Mackenzie is free and open to all.
There will also be a series of workshops starting from 10am on Saturday including sessions on rongoā (Māori medicine), making bracelets and harakeke (flax) ink prints.
Guest speaker Georgia Gunn-Solomon will be sharing a presentation on Kā Huru Manu and Kāi Tahu place names.
Anyone wishing to participate in the workshops needs to register via the Matariki Mackenzie website. — Allied Media.
