A huge audience and a new venue made for a sparkling Matariki celebration in Kaiapoi.
All Together Kaiapoi hosted the event on Friday, July 14 at a new site in Kaiapoi's red zone - Norman Kirk Park. Chairperson Jackie Watson said they were thrilled with the audience.
"We can't believe the numbers. The community has really rallied around and supported us. It's fantastic to be part of this spectacle."
It's the second time All Together Kaiapoi has run the event.
Jackie said the weather conditions were perfect overall, with only one small spell of rain during the early part of the evening.
"It was a beautiful night and not even frosty, so everyone was having a ball."
Thousands of visitors attended, which later caused extended traffic delays in nearby streets. For some these delays lasted over an hour.
Dance groups using LEDs as part of their act included Funkdafied Dance Club and Jenna McKenzie School of Dance for contemporary dance performances.
A large number of food trucks and merchandising stalls circled the event area, and many family groups congregated in and around the LED light stations scattered throughout the park.
A play area for LED poi and hoops kept children entertained while the All Together Kaiapoi volunteers were kept busy handing out LED wands.
Monice Hylands, of Kaiapoi, said it was a wonderful way to spend Matariki Day, a public holiday.
Having the dedicated play area for children with LED poi and hoops made it a fun time for her and her daughter Amelia.
The six and a-half-minute-long fireworks display was sponsored by Kiwi Gaming Foundation.
- By John Cosgrove
