July 01, 2024
Spectacular displays for Matariki
Aotearoa’s first Matariki drone show drew an estimated 10,000 spectators to the Rotorua lakefront Thursday night and an incredible 20,000 on Friday night.
ARONUI Indigenous Arts Festival director Cian Elyse White says it was an extraordinary response, showing how the arts are a rongoā that connects all peoples.
The show captured elements of Matariki, with drones forming shapes depicting Te Waka o Rangi releasing spirits into the heavens, and showcasing environmental symbols like pōhutukawa and puawānanga flowers, blue moki, and the koekoeā or Pacific long-tailed cuckoo.
The national Matariki observance karakia was hosted by Ngāi Tahu at Treble Cone near Wānaka on Friday morning.
Maori astronomer Rangi Mātāmua, who has done much to revive he ancient tradition, says he’s excited to see the idea of a Matariki public holiday spread across the Pacific.
He told Radio New Zealand he was invited to discuss New Zealand’s approach with Tahiti, which will hold its first Matariki public holiday next year on November 20.