10 July 2015

Glen Innes Prepares to host Auckland's Biggest Matariki Celebration for 2015

In three years the Matariki Light Trail has grown to become a popular night time attraction for thousands of visitors both young and old in Glen Innes.

"I'm delighted to see so many people turn up each night", said organiser Te Rangi Huata. "It makes all the volunteer work so worthwhile when I see happy smiling mums having a good time with their kids. That truly brings Matariki - the Maori new year alive for me".

Teams of local volunteers have laid thousands of sparkling fairylights row by row across Maybury Reserve like giant carpets ready for the opening this Saturday. "It's going to be amazing when we turn them all on, around 250,000 or so", said Te Rangi. "These tiny lights seem to somehow lift your spirits during these cold wintery nights."

"We've installed temporary walkways so visitors can meander in a complete circle through the visual feast of light displays. These displays have been made here in Aotearoa and it's great to provide a platform for artists working in light. The displays are not highbrow are are aimed to provide delight and enjoyment. That's what Matariki is all about for me. Having a good time and not being too serious about it all"

The new Te Oro youth music and arts centre next to the Light Trail is running a series of art exhibitions, holiday dance and drama workshops and performances during this July week. Ruapotaka Marae is offering free kumara soup and rewena bread for visitors and hosting kiddies activities, face painting and interactive arts from 6pm nightly during the Matariki light trail season. This event is organised by HEART, a group that builds healthy families with a mandate to stop violence in homes.

"We've got the best Matariki cluster in Auckland with Ruapotaka Marae, Te Oro music and art centre and Maybury Reserve hosting the Matariki Light Trail. We're next to a host of restaurants, the bus and rail network. It's brilliant."

Public Dream Trust is a Hastings based community arts organisation with a vision to contemporise and grow Matariki celebrations nationally.

"Our aim is for Matariki to be celebrated outdoors by thousands and not just a few people sitting inside listening to a lecture, that's boring", said Te Rangi. "

We felt Glen Innes was the best place in Auckland to set up an event like this because there are 10,000 people live within walking distance, there are no winter events there and it's got a dynamic Maori, Pacific Island and European/Pakeha community. A fertile place to grow an event ".

Glen Innes Business Association came on board as partners with Public Dreams in 2013 as they saw the potential of the event for their business community. "It's a no brainer", said general manager Gary Holmes. "I've seen this event grow year by year and the potential for Glen Innes Village is enormous. I do believe we can make GI the home of Matariki in Auckland".

Nightly entertainment is on offer from 7pm and the event closes on Saturday 18th July with popular reggae band Three Houses Down and the PAK'nSAVE Fireworks Spectacular at 9pm.

The event is funded by Auckland Council, Maungakiekie Tamaki Board, Mount Wellington Foundation, Four Winds Foundation, Glen Innes PAK'nSAVE, Creative Communities Auckland, Te Puni Kokiri and Glen Innes Business Association.

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

ends

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