All Stars Lantern party to celebrate Matariki

Giant glow-in-the-dark party will tell the story of Matariki while moving through the CBD. Photo/File

Locals and visitors will get the chance to celebrate Matariki in style at the All Stars lantern parade on June 16.

According to Rotorua Lakes Council, the parade, a giant glow-in-the-dark party, will tell the story of Matariki while moving through the inner city finishing at the Village Green to watch the Matariki Star Search contest and a finale of fireworks.

Matariki is the Maori name for the cluster of starts known as the Pleiades that rises in mid-winter signalling the Maori New Year.

It will feature giant puppets, stilt-walkers, glowing 'stars', and a trail of hand-made paper lanterns. The public is encouraged to get involved by creating their own lanterns, masks, and puppets at a series of free art workshops.

The parade's creative director Ally Rogers said Matariki was a special time of year within the community and they wanted as many people involved as possible.

"The Matariki All Stars parade is going to be one big party and with so many visitors being in town for the game against the British and Irish Lions the next day it's a great way to share some of our culture with the rest of the world.

"Anyone who wants to join in, get dressed up, and carry a lantern on the night can come along to a free workshop and make their own creations. It's a lot of fun, especially if you get the whole family involved," she said.

The parade will start at the Rotorua Arts Village on Hinemaru St at 7pm and will journey through town to the lakefront picking up the 'stars' of Matariki along the way.

The Sulphur City Steam Rollers will play the part of Hiwaiterangi representing wishes, aspirations, and good fortune.

Steam Rollers chairwoman Layla Robinson said the team was going to be 'fairy godmothers on skates'.

"It is going to be a huge weekend for Rotorua with visitors joining us from all over the world and we're very excited to be involved in the Matariki All Stars Parade," she said.

The Steam Rollers will be doing a short demonstration on skates before leading the parade to the Village Green.

There are 10 lantern making workshops left before the big night. They run after school and during the weekend.

Follow the Matariki All Stars Facebook page for more information.

Click here for latest workshop schedule