Matariki marked with lights, fun, workshops

Lights, colours and Maori culture filled the gardens of Queens Park in Invercargill to celebrate Matariki.

The Murihiku Matariki Festival brought the Southland community together to mark the Maori New Year with light installations, entertainment and workshops.

Among thousands of attendees was Otatara resident Ana Packham (10, pictured left), who proudly showed the lantern she made for the event.

"It was my first time doing it." she said.

Eight-year-old Ella Morris (below right) said she was enjoying the festival.

"My favourite thing is the lights — it is bright and colourful."

Listening carefully to the instructions of Jonathan Simpson (below left) at a fire workshop is Abel Maniapoto-Fletcher (6).