July 16, 2013
Matariki light trail brings out Glen Innes
The lights are on in Glen Innes 150,000 of them, turning the Maybury Reserve next to the village shops into a sparkling celebration of the Māori midwinter new year.
Te Rangi Huata, who organised Ara Rama Matariki, the Matariki Light Trail, says he’s overwhelmed by the community support.
Volunteers have helped install the lights into Māori patterns and displays, and community groups are patrolling the park and neighbouring Ruapotaka Marae is providing kai for volunteers and visitors.
Mr Huata says with the constellation now in the sky, it seemed a good opportunity to share the light and ignite the spirit.
"So we thought of a light trail because Matariki is about the stars, it is about giving thanks for the harvest. We wanted to find a way of connecting a community to Matariki, to fit in a way that's different, that creates positive memories for kids and families and for a chance for families to come out together to an event that's free, that’s in their community," he says.
The Glen Innes Matariki light trail will close on Saturday night with a fireworks display and music.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd