From babies to grandparents, there was something for everyone at last Friday night's Matariki celebrations at Flaxmere Park.
The event was one of several being held throughout June and July, funded by Ngati Kahungunu and Te Puni Kokiri, which began at Te Aute College on June 9 and will end with an event in Dannevirke on July 15.
Flaxmere Matariki event organiser Alayna Hokianga said thousands headed to Flaxmere Park on Friday when the festivities kicked off at 5pm, ending with a spectacular fireworks display at about 8.30pm.
"The fireworks went off - the team step it up every year and along with all the other entertainment the whole thing was amazing," she said.
Centred around families, there were lots of food stalls and performances by Rezpect Dance Academy and Salt hip hop dance crews, along with bands, soloists and Brazilian drummers.