“Matariki stars shine in Central Hawke’s Bay”
There will be a few extra stars shining bright for Matariki celebrations this week in Central Hawke’s Bay as festivities
get underway.
New event organiser Zac Makoare has moved the event to Te Aute College. “Matariki is about new beginnings and nurturing
young leadership in our community. That’s the major reason we have moved the event from Waipukurau”, said Zac. “Many of
our great leaders studied at Te Aute and Matariki is a great time for us to continue this tradition.”
Troy Kingi, a former student of Te Aute is the star act for the night. He took a keen interest in guitar while at school
and tried his hand at composition in the early 2000s. He starred in the film Mt Zion as “Hone” alongside Stan Walker and
Temuera Morrison. He toured as support act for Stan Walker’s World Wide tour last year. Troy released his first EP album
in September on Itunes.
Other performers include Toni Huata, Rezpect Dance Academy, Waipukurau Primary, Porangahau Primary, Central Hawke’s Bay
College Kapa Haka and hosts for the evening Te Aute College. Te Whare Tū Tauā o Aotearoa will present a demonstration of
Maori weaponry.
Free community buses will leave at 5pm from A.W. Parsons Stadium carpark, Waipukurau with pick ups in Waipawa at the bus
stop. Buses will return home by 8.45pm.
The free community celebrations will take place outdoors and organisers encourage everyone to dress warm.There will be
hot food and drinks on sale and celebrations will end with a spectacular fireworks show to music at 8pm. Gates open at
5pm and ample off road parking is available in the school grounds.
Matariki is supported by Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea and is funded by Ngati Kahungunu Iwi and Te Puni Kokiri – Ministry of
Maori Development.
Matariki Central Hawke’s Bay, 5pm to 8pm Friday 13th June, Te Aute College, SH2, Pukehou.
ends