A spectacular new Matariki celebration is set to transform the heart of Hastings into a glowing celebration of culture, community and connection, with the inaugural Tīrama Kahawai – The Illuminated Parade making its debut on Thursday 9 July.
Presented by Ngā Toi Creative Hawke’s Bay, with support from the Hastings District Council and Public Dreams Trust, the free event promises an unforgettable evening where art, storytelling, kapa haka, music and whānau come together beneath the spirit of Matariki.
Running from 5pm to 8pm at Civic Square, the event aims to establish a new annual tradition celebrating te Mātahi o te Tau, the Māori New Year, while showcasing the creativity and identity of Heretaunga.
At the heart of the celebration are Ngā Pou o Heretaunga, nineteen illuminated pou representing the marae of Heretaunga. Carefully arranged to mirror the celestial pattern of the Matariki star cluster, the installation creates a powerful visual connection between the whenua below and the stars above, bringing the constellation to life in the centre of the city.
Adding to the experience are seven glowing orb installations created by internationally renowned New Zealand designer David Trubridge, alongside hundreds of handcrafted lanterns made by local schools, whānau and community groups.
Together, the lanterns will form a moving river of light as participants take part in the illuminated parade through Civic Square.
Leading the festivities will be Te Wheke Harikoa – The Happy Octopus, a five-metre illuminated sculpture welcoming visitors before giant glowing kahawai guide the parade through the square following the traditional sounding of conch shell horns.
Throughout the evening, visitors can enjoy a diverse programme of entertainment celebrating the richness of Māori culture and local creativity.
Storyteller Pereri King will share stories inspired by Matariki, while the Kahurangi Dance Company and local kapa haka groups will perform throughout the evening. DJ music, family activities and the judging of the community lantern competition will add to the festive atmosphere.
Participants in the lantern competition have been encouraged to create works inspired by the themes of Matariki using regenerative and sustainable materials, with prizes including David Trubridge lighting designs, school visits and family experiences.
As darkness falls and the parade reaches its conclusion, participants will gather in a giant circle symbolising kotahitanga, representing one person, one whānau, one community and one Hastings united beneath the stars.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy a range of Matariki-inspired food from local vendors, adding another layer to the celebration of culture and community.
The name Tīrama Kahawai, meaning sparkling or twinkling kahawai, reflects both the brilliance of the Matariki stars and the significance of the kahawai, a species that has sustained Ngāti Kahungunu communities for generations.
Strong, resilient and thriving together, the kahawai represents many of the values celebrated during Matariki, including abundance, resilience, generosity and collective wellbeing.
Organisers hope the inaugural event will become a signature celebration for Heretaunga, creating a new annual tradition that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds while honouring the cultural significance of Matariki.
For one magical winter evening, Hastings will become a living constellation where light, whakapapa, creativity and community come together to celebrate the beginning of a new year.
Tīrama Kahawai – The Illuminated Parade takes place on Thursday 9 July, from 5pm to 8pm, at Civic Square, Hastings. Entry is free.
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