Matariki Maori New Year celebrations at Thursday Night Market
Rotorua residents and visitors to the city can join in Matariki celebrations at the Rotorua Night Market tomorrow (Thursday 20 June).
Matariki marks the start of winter and the traditional Maori New Year. It is the Maori name of the Pleiades star cluster, otherwise known as the Seven Sisters.
This week's night market is hosting a range of celebratory activities to herald in Matariki, including creating your own taonga (gift), a chef demonstration, Maori games and carving displays.
There will be something for all the family to enjoy and the opportunity to win some exciting prizes. And while you are browsing the stalls and joining in the activities the sounds of the Fifteen Stars Cook Island Dance Group, the Philippine Club of Rotorua and the Selwyn School Kapa Haka group will provide toe-tapping entertainment.
Celebrate Matariki at the Rotorua Night Market in Tutanekai Street on Thursday this week from 5pm