June 05, 2019
Fire, food and whanau for Matariki ki Pōneke
Wellington is gearing up for the second year of its Ahi Kaa Festival of fire, food and whānau to celebrate Matariki, the Māori new year.
Deputy mayor Jill Day says from light displays to toasted marshmallows, hangi, waka ama races on the harbour and plays and exhibitions around the city, it's a chance to celebrate Māori culture in all its forms.
The idea of a mid-winter festival is something residents of all ethnicities are embracing.
"For us in Aotearoa it's lovely to have a festival in the winter that really focuses us on the important things that are whanau and food and brings us closer to the elements as well, that connection with the natural environment that obviously in winter we are very aware of because the weather reminds us. It is a lovely time of the year to be coming together," Ms Day says.
Matariki ki Pōneke kicks off with the harbour challenge on June 15 and 16, with the Ahi Kaa festival on the Wellington waterfront the following Friday June 21.
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