Steady wind gives Matariki Kite Day welcome lift

Katikati kite flyer John Russell with his Gibson Girl box kite from World War II. Photo/George Novak

A steady breeze bouncing off a high tide at Fergusson Park made this year's Matariki Kite Day a little more successful than last year.

Serious kite flyers from as far afield as Whangarei and Wellington joined local families in the sunshine to celebrate Māori New Year.

Event organiser Bernie Johnson said kite flying was traditionally used to signify the beginning of Matariki.

"This is a great way for families to revive that tradition, and get outside and run around," said Mrs Johnson, who is a Māori services specialist with Tauranga library.

She was pleased there was more wind than last year so more kites could be raised.

Bethlehem mum Samantha Clark was pleased too.

"It's fantastic today. I was here last year and there was no wind."

"I love it, especially the dragon," said Otumoetai 8-year-old Reuben Bopf.

Swooping up and down amongst the massive modern marvels - a giant blue whale, a flying pig, a teddy bear - was a little yellow box kite with more history than most.

Katikati kite flyer John Russell was attempting to loft a Gibson Girl in original condition.

The kite was made in the 1940s for pilots of British and American bombers in World War II.

It was part of their survival kit, designed to help downed pilots send an SOS message to nearby potential rescuers, Mr Russell said.

The pilot could attach a wire to it and fly it, using it as a radio antennae.

Mr Russell said the Gibson Girl was one of the newest addition to his collection of more than 150 kites.