Te Arawa koeke ball a 'fabulous' afternoon of glitz and glam

The winners of the best head piece and best dressed award. Photo/Cinzia Jonathan

For the ninth year in a row Te Arawa koeke had a chance to get all dressed up and hit the dance floor at the annual Matariki ball.

Tickets for the event were snapped up fast and on Sunday afternoon about 200 people enjoyed dinner, dancing and entertainment at the Holiday Inn.

Huru Maika and his wife get into the glitz and glam. Photo/Cinzia Jonathan

This year's theme was Enchanted Forest and people got into the spirit with lots of gold and green outfits on display.

Event co-ordinator Tepora Emery said the event had been fabulous.

"Everybody got dressed up and had an absolutely wonderful time."

Kaa Daniels and Peter Anaru take a spin on the dance floor. Photo/Cinzia Jonathan

The event is open to all Te Arawa koeke over the age of 70.

"We do it to celebrate the services of our elders to the iwi," Emery said.

The winners of the best head piece and best dressed award. Photo/Cinzia Jonathan

There was a competition for the best dressed and also for the best head piece which was taken out by a yellow and green floral crown.

Te Arawa Lakes Trust chairman Sir Toby Curtis said it was good to see so many older people just enjoying themselves "Without being bogged down by protocol".

"We forget that people, no matter how old they are, still like to enjoy themselves and yesterday afternoon was a chance to enjoy life the way it should be enjoyed."

On her Facebook page Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick said she had a "lovely afternoon" at the ball.

"Great music from the Janie Pou band and MC extraordinaire Kingi Biddle.

"Thanks Te Arawa for a happy afternoon."

Winsome Emery and hostess Waiwhakaata Raerino match in their gold and green get up. Photo / inzia Jonathan