Gallery: Puanga in Wanganui 2014
The start of Matariki, or Puanga as it is known in Whanganui, was held on the banks of the Whanganui River yesterday around 6am. About 200 people of all ages, gathered at the Putiki slipway. Trumpets sounded, and prayers were recited by the waterside. A waka carrying a fire and flaming torch slid into the slipway. Paddler Ned Tapa carried the torch up the slipway and lit a second fire. Master of ceremonies Kemp Dryden read the names of people who had died since the last Puanga, and the crowd added others. Mark Lee from the Wanganui Astronomy Society pointed out stars with a laser light. Wanganui Chronicle photographer Bevan Conley took these images of the event.
Image 1 of 12: People gather on the Putiki slipway
