Ōpōtiki Matariki celebrations an “overwhelming success”
This year, Ōpōtiki District Council’s events team pulled out all the stops, partnering with more than a dozen community organisations to host 11 days of celebrations for Matariki.
Ōpōtiki Mayor, Lyn Riesterer, said that she had attended many of the events and was amazed at the level of support and the feedback she had received.
“We were very fortunate with the weather for most events, but I think the community would have shown up no matter what the weather was doing! There was just so much support and there were so many different activities that there was something for everyone.
“I loved watching skaters of all ages down at the skatepark, although I did decline an invitation to join the fun – I wasn’t convinced I could stay upright on a skateboard!
“In addition to all the fun and whānau activities, I noticed a focus on learning and discovery as well this year. I think a lot of people are more informed about Matariki with educational night walks, starwatching, storytelling and of course learning more about the flourishing sport of Ki o Rahi as well. Special thanks to Terere Marae for sharing a magical morning of stargazing and workshops.
“I was very privileged to welcome Parson James to be Ōpōtiki’s very own ambassador. He is a wonderful young man who will share his love of Ōpōtiki as he travels and tours around the world. It is a special bond and we are so pleased to share it with him.
“I want to thank all the organisers so much for their work. I get a glimpse of how much mahi goes into these events and Council’s events team pulled off not just one or two, but almost twenty of them back to back! Also the community organisations who jumped on board – what a gift you have given the community. Thank you so much. I can’t wait for a summer of events and doing it all again next year,” Mayor Riesterer said.
Ōpōtiki District Council’s i-SITE and events manager, Joseph Hayes, said numbers were difficult to quantify, but there were more than 4000 attendees across the fortnight.
“We started things off on a really positive note with hundreds of people at a popular night market down near the new skatepark. A few days later that skate park was fill again for a youth-led event with music, competitions, giveaways and a laser show.
“The largest event was the final concert, and we had approximately 1400 people there for the show and fireworks. The glow shows at De Luxe theatre were hugely popular and packed out. There were also a heap of smaller events which were just as popular, for example, night walks or 80 or so people to hear Shellie Hanley play her harp and pūtorino.
“Together all of these events were really successful and the feedback we have had has been overwhelmingly positive. So I’d like to thank all the community groups for their involvement. So many organisations, marae groups, and businesses came forward and got involved this year which gave us a unique community atmosphere.
“Some events are still going for a while yet including the Matariki art show by Arts Ōpōtiki and Whina and The Lion King in Te Reo at De Luxe theatre.
“Our vision is to make Ōpōtiki the “go to” place to celebrate Matariki and this year’s events prove just how true that is,” Mr Hayes said.
