Ngatiwai Rangitane roopu prepare to start last year's Matariki Whanau Festival. Photo / John Stone
With performances from the J-Geeks and a set of Matariki Maori Markets on the Canopy Bridge, the Matariki Whanau Festival is bigger and better than last year.
While you enjoy the entertainment by J-Geeks, Tasty Brown and a raft of local talent on the main stage tomorrow, you will also
be able to take in weaving, rongoa, traditional kai, ta moko, tamariki activities and more on the Canopy Bridge.
Rachel O'Gorman, marketing and events manager for Whangarei Venue and Events, said this year's event to celebrate the Maori new year will be bigger than the 2014 one.
"Matariki is such a big, important celebration for Maori, so we wanted to bring the community together, both Maori and non-Maori, to come down and learn about it," she said.
Ms O'Gorman said retailers in the Town Basin would be participating in the celebration with Matariki food on their menus and retail specials.
