Matariki kite crafts a creative outlet for Rotorua children in school holidays

Rotorua children will have been hoping for a good breeze these school holidays so they could fly Matariki kites they had decorated themselves.

The Rotorua Museum has held Matariki kite crafts at The Arts Village throughout these school holidays.

Rotorua Museum events and engagement co-ordinator Tori Williams says the Matariki kite crafts have been popular with families.

"Children have really enjoyed being able to make something that they can use, and the weather has been great for kite flying so kids have gone straight outside to practice flying them."

She says it is always fun to see children out with their families and friends, getting creative and enjoying the holidays, and it is nice to offer an activity to families that will not cost anything.

It has also worked well being based out of The Arts Village these school holidays, she says.

"It is great to see families getting involved with Matariki celebrations and learning about what Matariki is and what it means.

"Kids are looking forward to flying the kites they made here at the crafts at the Te Iwa o Matariki Whānau Day this Saturday at Telly Tubby Hill."

Lorraine Thomson was at the crafts this week with her daughter Alana Thomson, 6.

She says they go to the Rotorua Musuem's school holiday crafts most holidays.

Lorraine says they had also done some rock hunting and the Matariki Activity Trail.

"It gives you something different to do. You can go for a wander around the gardens and then come in and do this."

"It's a great activity and the community need to support local things like this to keep them going."

Alana says she enjoys crafts because it is fun and because when you are done it looks great.

She has not done kite flying before, and is looking forward to giving it a go with her decorated Matariki kite.