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Parihaka is throwing its doors open to the public to join its celebration of Puanga, which is the Taranaki name Maori new year.
Rather than look for the Matariki or Pleiades star cluster, people in the rohe look for the rise of Puanga or Rigel.
Jean Hikaka from the Parihaka Puanga Kai Rau Festival Committee says the celebrations start with a powhiri and lighting of a fire on the evening of June 10.
People who stay over can watch the star rise in the east over maunga Taranaki at about 6 the next morning.
During the morning visitors can help harvest the maara or garden and then prepare the soil for the next lot of crops.
Then it’s time for workshops, children’s activities, films, and six local bands including Celtic favourites Shaskeen Reel.
It closes on Sunday after an art auction to raise funds for the community.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
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