Go fly a kite this Sunday

A very much-loved feature of the Matariki calendar is flying back to Tauranga Moana this weekend.

Get the whānau together, grab a kite, and celebrate the Māori New Year at the Matariki Kite Day which is taking place at Ferguson Park in Matua this Sunday, from 12 to 4pm.


Kites flying high in the sky during last year's Matariki Kite Day. This year's free event is again taking place at Matua's Fergusson Park this Sunday, from 12 to 4pm. Watch a video below.

The flying of kites, which are also known as ‘manu tukutuku' and ‘manu aute', is an ancient Māori tradition, says Māori Services Specialist Information Librarian Bernie Johnson.

'Kites were traditionally seen as connectors between the heavens and the earth,” she explains.

'So the Matariki Kite Day is not only a spectacular visual feast that will delight the whole whanau, it's also a terrific way to celebrate our past. By giving traditional Māori kite flying a modern twist, we're keeping this proud tradition alive and inspiring the next generation.”

In the event of poor weather on Sunday the Matariki Kite Day will be cancelled, and the public will be notified by 9am on the day via the Tauranga Moana Matariki Festival Facebook page.

Don't have a kite but got a bit of time on your hands? Then why not have a go at making your own manu tuktuku:

The Matariki Tauranga Moana Festival is a seven-week programme that includes live performances, lectures, family events, dance and art, astronomy sessions, workshops and nature walks.

For more information visit the Tauranga Moana Matariki Festival website at: www.mymatariki.co.nz

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