Concert to celebrate Matariki

WHIRIKOKA: Taniko Lemon was among the many tamariki at Saturday's Matariki Concert to have his face painted. Picture by Rebecca Grunwell

RAIN could not dampen the spirits of the hundreds who turned out for the Matariki Concert at Te Wananga o Aotearoa Whirikoka campus on Saturday.

They enjoyed performances from Katchafire, Raiha Moetara, The Witchdoctor, Tipene, Tyna, Tama Waipara, Supreme Brother Sound and DJ Murdurah.

The concert was oprganised by East Coast Music Ltd and Te Runanga o Turanganui a Kiwa (TROTAK).

TROTAK project manager Athena Emmerson-Kapa said it was a great event for all whanau and everyone loved it.

“You don't need alcohol to have a good time,” she said.

“The event is about creating diversity and including all ages.

Athena heard comments from people at the event that they were glad to have come, and the undercover space was “mean”.

Yummy Dumplings was there to make sure everyone had some kai, and “there were paua dumplings which sold out by 2pm,” Athena said.

There was also a face painter “who did great work.”

“Huge mihi to Trust Tairawhiti and Te Wananga o Aotearoa for holding the event and providing our kaumatua space again this year.”

The concert was supported by Trust Tairawhiti, Gisborne District Council, Turanga FM, E Tu Whanau, Barnados and Auahi Kore.

It was a smokefree, alcohol free and drug free whanau event.