Weather didnt dampen spirits for matariki celebrations

Bands, storytellers, a merry-go-round, an air worm, roasted nuts, and even a steaming hangi delighted attendees to an annual Maori New Year celebration at Clareville at the weekend.
Though the cold and damp weather affected crowd turnout by most accounts, spirits for those who did go were high.
At the event outset on Saturday afternoon families with children in tow either wandered under shelter at Clareville Showgrounds to browse stall goods or listen to bands inside, or to be entertained by Wellington storyteller Moira Wairama.
Rueben Friend, who helped organise the event on behalf of the three district councils, said that of the eight bands playing, seven hailed from Wairarapa and that was the main part of what Matariki is all about.
"Matariki traditionally was a time for the arts to flourish. For Maori, traditionally it's a time for the arts so in keeping with the tradition of that it's good to promote local musical acts as well as inspiring community camaraderie and community spirit."
Plenty of attractions were also available outside and children took shelter from the rain by running around in a giant 15m-long giant inflatable air worm and operator John Hemingway, who travelled from Palmerston North, said on drier days the worm is usually a big attraction.
"Comments from people that have been to this last year are 'oh gosh, there were a lot more people here last year'," he said.
Midway through Saturday afternoon, he had only had about 20 children through, but on drier days it can get about 50 children at one time inside, or 500 through in about 4? hours.
"It's good value too. For $2 they play in there for as long as they like. We end up babysitting for the parents an hour later they come back and the kids are still running around in there. They get a lot of fun out of just a tube of air don't they? Running backwards and forwards."
The annual event cost $30,000 to put on, funded by Rangitane o Wairarapa, Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, the Creative Communities Scheme, various trust grants (including Eastern and Central Community Trust and Prime Community Trust) and Masterton District Council, with Wairarapa A and P Society providing the venue.
It is the first year the fourth annual solstice fair has been held with a Matariki focus and A and P society secretary David Mullany said that has enabled it to grow from a one-day to two-day event, with a larger focus on music and dance, including a fireworks display on Saturday night.
"We're pretty happy with the whole event, just a bit disappointed with the weather but there's nothing we can do about that," he said.