Rotorua starts its month-long Matariki celebrations with a parade of lanterns through the city centre tonight.

Starting at 7pm, the parade will wind its way from the Rotorua Arts Village to collect specially crafted 'stars' along the way with each of them representing the nine personalities of the Matariki Star cluster.

Finishing at the Lakefront Rotorua, the parade will be followed with on-stage entertainment from Rotorua's Star Search contestants and a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate Matariki, and the Maori New Year.

The public have been encouraged to be part of the parade and join in the fun by making a bright 'star' or lantern at the parade art sessions that have been running over the last few weeks, or by decorating bikes and putting on a costume to walk in the parade.

For those keen to walk in the parade, organisers ask everyone meet at the Arts Village at 6pm. It's an opportunity to dress up in lights and costumes, and carry lanterns and creations to show off the community spirit of Matariki.