Photo by Cris Johnston.
Evie Simonsohan (12), of Wanaka, paints the face of Logan Davidson (4) during Matariki celebrations held at the Dinosaur Park on the Lake Wanaka waterfront on Saturday.
The fifth annual event, organised by Kahu Youth, attracted about 500 people and featured a variety of entertainment and activities including poi dancing, flax weaving workshops, kapa haka performances, a community hangi and a fireworks display.
Youth worker Richard Elvey said there had been fears a predicted cold front would force the cancellation of this year's event but a ''few quick words with the weather gods sorted that out'' and the late afternoon party, held to celebrate the Maori New Year, was one of the most successful to be held.
