The Pāpāmoa waterways will be lit up this evening following earlier live musical performances for a memorable outdoor family-friendly event celebrating Matariki.

"Light up the waterway" Matariki is a free community event taking place at Pāpāmoa Plaza and Te Ara ō Wairākei - Pāpāmoa Stormwater Reserve, today Friday, July 14, between 5pm and 11pm.

Te Ara ō Wairākei trail will be illuminated with lighting installations to celebrate the nine stars in the constellation of Matariki, while a large screen will play Te Iwi o Matariki.

Pāpāmoa "Light up the waterway" Te Ara ō Wairākei Matariki 2023 will run from 5pm - 11pm, starting from Pāpāmoa Plaza. Photo: Papamoa Unlimited Facebook.

'Make your way along to the Papamoa Unlimited Light the Waterways Matariki event on Friday July 14,” says Papamoa Unlimited events coordinator Julia Manktelow.

The free event begins at 5pm at Papamoa Plaza, 7 Gravatt Road, with the only entry to the trail from behind Body & Motion at the Papamoa Plaza. Parking is available at the plaza or nearby Fashion Island.

The festivities kick off with a heartwarming whakatau/welcoming ceremony by Ngă Potiki at Pāpāmoa Plaza.

"Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with manaakitanga, whānau, live performances and stunning lights. Get ready to be captivated by the mesmerizing kapahaka performance from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Otepou Tuākana, our national primary school team.

"To add to the magical atmosphere, we have live music lined up for you until 7.30pm. As the sun sets, the enchanting light trail begins at 6pm and continues until 11pm."

There will also be performances by Rise Dance Company, Videl Harrison, Amaleigh, Sonorous and Wild Lanes Music.

"Bring your deck chair, a cozy blankie, and delicious Kai for the whānau to enjoy while you watch the performances. Settle in under the twinkling stars and enjoy the pre-entertainment

'Bring a torch along for an extra layer of light along the trail. Please dress warm, it's a bit colder at night now.”

Map showing the "Light up the waterway" Matariki trail along the Te Ara ō Wairākei - Pāpāmoa Stormwater Reserve, with the start at Pāpāmoa Plaza. Image: Supplied.

There is also an opportunity to win a prize by posting a photo to the Papamoa Unlimited Facebook page.

'Post a picture of your most memorable moment from the night and be in to win one of three $100 Papamoa Plaza Gift Cards.

'Winners will be drawn and announced via Facebook next week.”

Pāpāmoa "Light up the waterway" Te Ara ō Wairākei Matariki 2023 will run from 5pm - 11pm, starting from Pāpāmoa Plaza. Photo: Papamoa Unlimited Facebook.

Julia is encouraging participants to support local businesses by purchasing food during the evening, as well as reminding everyone to dispose of their rubbish appropriately.

'We are proud of our beautiful backyard. Please help us take care of it by putting all your rubbish in the waste stations.”

She says first aid can be found at the side of the stage under the marque and there will be people available to help anyone.

'We'll have lots of security along the trail who are there to take care of you. Please respect our kaupapa for our tamariki.”

A Tauranga City Council spokesperson says to ensure safe road crossing of attendees between the Pāpāmoa Plaza and Te Ara ō Wairākei, stop/go traffic management will be in place on Santa Monica Drive from 4pm to 11pm.

Pāpāmoa "Light up the waterway" Te Ara ō Wairākei Matariki 2023 will run from 5pm - 11pm, starting from Pāpāmoa Plaza. Photo: Papamoa Unlimited Facebook.