Matariki Arrowtown Lights returns for second year

Kā-Muriwai Arrowtown will once again shine as it hosts Matariki celebrations for the second year running.

Matariki Arrowtown Lights 2022 Lakes District Museum Projection. Image: Federico Pagola

This transformed one-day event will be held on July 14 to mark ‘Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea’ ; the changing of the seasons and the beginning of the Māori new year.

Several schools will perform kapa haka including local youngsters from Arrowtown Primary and pre-schools and Wakatipu High School.

New this year after local feedback will be fire pits on Buckingham Street where people are encouraged to gather, share stories telling pakiwaitara over kai, alongside the addition of more kai/food stalls and the fairies and fire dancing will be back.

SILO (South Island Lights Orchestra) will once again light up Buckingham Street with installations and projections supporting the essence and story behind Matariki.

One of the world’s pre-eminent astrophysicists Professor Brian Boyle is also set to return - sharing his wealth of knowledge on the astronomical and cultural significance of the Matariki cluster of stars.

Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association Manager Nicky Busst, in conjunction with Arrowtown Charitable Trust, says the success of the 2022 event had bolstered their passion.

“We couldn’t not come back this year and deliver this for the community given the tremendous response we had last year.

Locals and visitors came together to celebrate the new holiday with a real sense of pride.  We are hugely proud of what we achieved last year and are looking forward to bringing this back in 2023.”

Busst took the opportunity to thank those responsible.

“We wouldn’t be able to do this without the ongoing support of the APBA board, new sponsors Millbrook Resort and Ray White Arrowtown, in addition to funding from Queenstown Lakes District Council, Central Lakes Trust, Community Trust South, New Zealand Community Trust and Te Hau Toka Southern Well Being Trust’.  To them we say thank you.”

Main image (Federico Pagola): Matariki Arrowtown Lights 2022 Kapa Haka