Matariki takes flight on festival's final weekend

The skies above Auckland’s Bastion Point will be sprinkled with kites as the final instalment of the month long Matariki Festival ‘13 ends this weekend.

The New Zealand Post Manu Aute Kite Day, held at the historic Ōrākei Marae celebrates the ancient Matariki tradition of kite flying which symbolically connects the heavens to the earth.

Set against the background of the sparkling Waitematā Harbour, the Manu Aute Kite Day is a perfect way for the whole family to mark the final day of the Matariki Festival.

The Mayor, who will be attending the event, says that it is a favourite among children in particular.

“There will be hundreds of kites flying in the breeze. Families can bring one of their own or simply gaze and marvel. The Manu Aute Kite Day is a great way for Aucklanders to get involved in the festival before the Matariki stars dip over the horizon for another year,” says Len Brown.

The Manu Aute Kite day also features performances, kite making, a hangi, family entertainment and face painting.

Kite flying is not the only event this final weekend. Hone Kouka’s play TŪ at the Q theatre, and the Māori Wearable Art Competition and Fashion Parade at Te Hana Te Ao Marama both take to the stage.

TŪ is an epic tale set in 1940s New Zealand and inspired by Patricia Grace’s award-winning novel of the same name. With Tammy Davis of Outrageous Fortune fame starring as TŪ, the story is one of love, redemption, whānau and brotherhood.

For those with a flair for fashion and creativity, the Māori Wearable Art Competition and Fashion Parade is a must. The arts come alive at this popular event in an evening filled with fashion, art and music from some of New Zealand’s best young fashion designers.

“This year’s festival has featured 31 memorable days of culture and entertainment – I encourage Aucklanders to make the most of these final days,” says the Mayor.

TŪ

When: Friday 19, 8pm – 9:35pm, Saturday 20, 8pm – 9:35pm and Sunday 21, 4pm – 5:35pm
Where: Rangatira, Q Theatre, 305 Queen Street, CBD, Auckland   
Cost: $25 - $50. Buy tickets from www.qtheatre.co.nz

New Zealand Post Manu Aute Kite Day
When: Saturday 20 July, 10am – 4pm (rain day Sunday 21 July)
Where: Kitemoana Street, Ōrākei Marae
Free admission

Māori Wearable Art Competition and Fashion Parade
When: Saturday 20, 7:30pm
Where: Te Hana Te Ao Marama, 317 State Highway One, Te Hana, Auckland
Cost:  $25 - buy tickets by emailing tehana@xtra.co.nz

For more information on other Matariki Festival ’13 events head to www.matarikifestival.org.nz