MEDIA RELEASE

8 July 2014

Stars Light Up for Glen Innes

It’s that time of the year when winter brings a twinkle in the eastern skies to herald the arrival of Matariki (the Pleiades star cluster). This event revivives the tradition of giving thanks for the harvest and preparing for the new year planting season.

Glen Innes will celebrate Matariki for one week as Maybury Reserve lights up with thousands of sparkling fairylights along tree lined walkways at the Te Ara Rama Matariki Light Trail. This free event runs 6pm to 9pm nightly from Saturday 19th to Saturday 26th July and features 30 interactive light displays.

Last year the Light Trail was one of Auckland’s major Matariki events attracting over 5,000 visitors and organisers expect similar numbers this year.

The Matariki Light Trail is managed by Glen Innes Business Association and Public Dreams Trust, a Hastings based community arts group.

“We had excellant community feedback last year”, said Te Rangi Huata, spokesman for Public Dreams Trust. “People wrote on facebook that it’s the best thing to come to GI, made them proud, positive vibes, great atmosphere.”

This year ten year old Taryn Hill is the face of the Matariki Light Trail with her photo featuring in all promotional material. Although Taryn lives on the Gold Coast with her family, many of her relatives live locally. Rose her mother said, “My dad’s whanau live in Panmure and Glen Innes. Matariki is a wonderful event and my husband and I have no hesitation to show our support for this festival.” Taryn is in Grade 5 and excells in school, swimming and all round sports.

A covered stage has been added to feature local cultural and contemporay performers of all ages. “Matariki is about new beginnings so it’s great we can showcase new and fresh talent every night from 7pm” said Te Rangi.

The final night will close with the Glen Innes PAK’nSAVE Matariki fireworks spectacular display to Māori and Pasifika music. “We’re grateful to Rob Redwood the owner of Glen Innes PAK’nSAVE for sponsoring the free Matariki fireworks display 9pm on Saturday 26th July”, said Te Rangi. “It’s the only Matariki fireworks display in the Auckland region and it’s going to be memorable”.

The Matariki Light Trail will be opened at 5.45pm Saturday 19th July by the Chairman of the Maungakiekie-Tamaki Board, Simon Randall. The opening ceremony will include a star lantern procession by Roots Collective artists, volunteers and youth involved with making four large scale sculptures from recyled material for the light trail.

The event is funded by Maungakiekie – Tamaki Board, Auckland Creative Communities, Mount Wellington Foundation, Glen Innes PAK’nSave and Mercury Energy. Supporters include Roots Collective, Ruapotaka Marae, Ka Mau Te Wero Trust and Mad Ave Studios.

What: Matariki Light Trail. Illuminated light displays among thousands of fairylights along walkways.

Why: To give thanks for the harvest at the Māori new year and celebrate with fun, feasting and festivity.

Where: Maybury Reserve, 108 Lines Road. Next to Glen Innes Libray carpark

When: 6pm to 9pm Sat 19th to Sat 26th July. Glen Innes PAK’nSAVE Matariki fireworks 9pm Sat 26th July.

Who: Glen Innes Business Association and Public Dreams Charitable Trust.

FREE EVENT

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