Queenstown charitable trust Mana Tāhuna is hosting a black tie affair next Thursday to herald the Māori New Year.
Kaiwhakahaere matua (chief operating officer) Ebony Webster (Ngāpuhi) says the event, at the Queenstown Memorial Centre, is equally about celebration and entertainment as it is education.
Last year, Mana Tāhuna hosted a smaller event at Lake Hayes Pavilion, but they’re going bigger and better this year, with plans to make the event annual, and keep growing it.
‘‘It’s the first-ever public holiday that acknowledges mātauranga Māori, or Māori knowledge and practice and tikanga.
‘‘It’s the first of our time — sure, we’ve got Waitangi … but it doesn’t come from our knowledge as Māori, so for us, it’s super-important to do something and celebrate and acknowledge that.’’
Webster says Queenstown Primary School’s kapa haka group will kick off the celebrations, while astronomer Gemma Cribb will use a projection of the night sky to talk about Matariki, the different stars and what they mean.
The kai is also taking on a Matariki theme — Webster says the tapas-style three-course dinner relates to the four stars which connect to food — while the Modern Māori Quartet will entertain the crowd.
‘‘What I would love to see is us all celebrate the way that we do for a ‘normal’ New Year and making it really special like that.
‘‘We’ve made it black tie, so everyone gets an opportunity to get dolled up and have a nice evening out with entertainment and food, be
educated about Matariki and just celebrate.’’
It’s also important for Mana Tāhuna to take the lead for the celebration now and into the future, she says, to ensure they continue to be authentic.
Tickets for ‘Matariki with Mana Tāhuna’, which goes from 6pm till 10.30pm, cost $50, via eventbrite
