Stratford District Council (SDC) extends a warm invitation for people to embrace curiosity and connection when celebrating Puanga, the Māori New Year, in the heart of Taranaki.

Community and Economic Development Manager Saba Afzal says, coming together at this time of year is special. “Puanga gives us the opportunity to celebrate our achievements, remember loved ones, and look forward to the future. It’s also about connecting with whānau and friends, being open minded and interested in what’s possible for the future,” says Saba.

“Whether you’ve celebrated every year with us or you’ve never been involved before, nau mai haere mai, we invite locals and visitors alike to come and enjoy the magic of Puanga in Whakaahurangi, Stratford.”

What’s on?

Puanga rākau reflections and aspirations activity | 3 - 23 June

Percy Thomson Gallery Foyer

• Write down your burdens or the names of loved ones you’ve lost in the past year and these will be burned as part of our celebration event.
• Hang your aspirations and goals for the year ahead on our Puanga rākau.

Workshop: Rongoa Māori with Kerry Walsh | Sunday 8 June, 2pm - 4pm

Senior Citizens Hall, Juliet Street Stratford – FREE and limited spaces available, Register here

• Learn about Rongoā Māori (natural remedy, Māori medicine) and the benefits of kawakawa
• Participants will make their own whakawaatea (cleanser/freshener) to take home
• Hiwa-i-te-Rangi - share aspirations for the year ahead, and how these can be celebrated at home

Movie: Moana 2 in Te Reo Māori (with English subtitles) | Monday 16 June, 5.30pm

TET King’s Theatre – FREE entry for all ages

Movie: Whale Rider | Wednesday 18 June, 6.30pm

TET King’s Theatre – FREE entry for all ages

Puanga Flag Competition

Check out our winning designs from the Puanga Flag Competition flying down Broadway from 12 June – 14 July. You can see all entries on display at the Library and Visitor Information Centre.

Puanganui-o-te-Rangi | Thursday 19 June, 4pm - 8pm

War Memorial Centre, Stratford

A collaboration between Ngāruahine Iwi Health Services and SDC, this is a free community event for all ages and focuses on entertainment, education, and hauora; a Māori philosophy of health and wellbeing.

Visitors will enjoy an evening inspired by the stars, including:

• Lighting displays
• Entertainment from DJ BB, Fire poi by Fire and Flow and Kapa Haka
• Weaving wānanga with Māori Womens Welfare League
• Te Reo Māori sessions
• Poi making & demonstrations
• Glow face painting and Ta Moke painting
• Hands-on activities for tamariki
• Health and wellbeing stations
• Free sausage sizzle
• Ice-cream
• Pātea Hangi
• …and more!

Stratford Library kōrero and crafts for school students | 16 – 19 June

Local primary school tamariki will be visiting Stratford Library throughout the week to learn about Puanga and Matariki through creative storytelling and craft activities. These are booked school sessions and not open to the public.

SDC is thankful to Whaakahurangi Marae, Māori Womens Welfare League, Toi Foundation, Taranaki Electricity Trust and Ngāruahine Iwi Health Services for their continued partnership with this year’s Puanga celebrations.

To stay up to date with Stratford’s Puanga celebrations for 2025, people should visit Stratford.govt.nz/Puanga

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