The dinosaur park and Wanaka’s waterfront were bustling with locals and visitors at the celebrations on Saturday.
The event started at 14:00 with youth activities designed around the nine stars of the Matariki constellation.
The activity nine stations were selected to reflect the constellations: Matariki (reflection, hope, our connection with the environment, and the gathering of people), Pohutakawa (loss and reflection), Tipu-a-nuku (land and food from the ground ), Tipu-a-rangi (food grown above the earth), Waiti (fresh water), Waita (salt water), Waipuna-a-rangi (rain and frost), Uurangi (air, wind and air) and Hiwa- i -te-rangi (hope for the future).
Wai Wanaka’s education support representative Waiti Jaylene Harper said they are grateful for the community support.
“We have some amazing volunteers from Mt Aspiring College who are helping tamariki build leaf boats to show them how Bullock Creek water flows through Wanaka and how to keep our waterways clean and healthy for the community. It’s really amazing to look out for the community. here learn about fresh water and all the things environment and Matariki, “Ms Harper said.
Kahu Youth’s operations manager, Anna Sutherland, said the community had a great time.
“We have young people singing on stage as they are celebrated, connected to Maori culture – celebrating the New Year. We have so many community groups here that help us protect our environment. We have our hangi-cook, we “has beautiful bonfires. We’re just having a great time, “Ms Sutherland said.
Two bonfires filled with manuka and kanuka wood were lit at 15:00 at the lake’s edge.
The hangi was pulled up at 5pm, after several hours of slow cooking.
The preparation of the food started the previous day between 13:00 and 17:30.
Matariki is a symbol of reflection on the past, present and future.
In addition to the meaning of the constellation, the activity stations reflected the wider meaning behind the town’s name.
Wanaka is a South Island variant of the word wananga, referring to the ancient schools held in the area.
These schools of Kai Tahu / Ngai Tahu tohuka (men of learning) were taught whakapapa (genealogies) and karakia (spells and prayer) passed down between generations.
A karakia with the organizing team and family was shared around the hangi well at 08:00 before the day’s preparations began.
The evening concluded with fireworks dancers and fireworks along the lake.