June 14, 2017
Goff enthusiastic over Matariki partnership
Kites, karakia, kai, kapa haka, light projections, portable stardomes, art and music, Auckland is marking Matariki in a big way this year.
And it gets a big tick from Mayor Phil Goff, who detects some real enthusiasm – and not just from getting up early to attend the opening karakia put on by hosts Ngati Manuhiri at Tawharanui Regional Park on the city’s northern edge.
He says it’s a chance to show off the partnership with mana whenua, and it has a unique place among the other festivals sponsored by the council.
"In winter isn't it good we've got a festival to celebrate. The days are shorter, the days are colder but we've got something to celebrate and it's a celebration too about biculturalism so I think the partnership has worked well, The numbers are growing, 115,000 last year, hopefully we will exceed that this year. That’s a good thing for the city to do," Mr Goff says.
Details of Matariki activities in Tamaki Makaurau are at matarikifestival.org.nz
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