METRONEWS
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Tīrama Mai light festival set to open on the first Matariki holiday

Tomas Rice
Matariki star cluster by Filip Lolić
Matariki star cluster by Filip Lolić   Wikimedia

After a successful showing last year, the festival looks to wow audiences once again in its second time running.

The Tīrama Mai light festival is set to open on the historic first Matariki holiday.

Tīrama Mai, meaning to illuminate or bring light, celebrates Matariki, our people and our unique local landscape.

The lighting festival is free to attend and will be held from Friday 24 June to Sunday 3 July.

City Council Events and Arts Manager Lucy Blackmore, says onlookers can expect artwork with a special focus on the story of Matariki.

“This is a time for friends and whānau to get together, reflect on the year that has passed and look ahead to the future.

“We’re very excited to be hosting Tīrama Mai in the central city, bringing people together to mark this special occasion."

She hopes they can build on the event's first showing.

“This year there is an all-new line-up of illuminated artwork, lighting installations and entertainment for people to explore and enjoy.

“This is only the second year that we’ve held Tīrama Mai and it’s wonderful to see it developing into a marque celebration event for Ōtautahi."

The show will not only be visually appealing but will also have learning elements for people of all ages.

Tirama Mai’s centerpiece will be a 21m long illuminated tunnel that runs between Cathedral Square and Te Pae.

The tunnel will include a Ngāi Tahu creation story for people to listen to as they make their way through.

Blackmore says it’s very special to be able to explore a unique part of our culture, Matariki, through Tīrama Mai.

An array of displays will be set up around Cathedral Square, Te Pae, the Arts Centre, New Regent Street, Little High and Riverside Market.

With the help and guidance from mana whenua, they have developed several installations that specifically focus on Matariki.

Some of these will be displayed in Cashel Mall in the lead up to Tīrama Mai, giving the public a sneak peek at what's to come.

“This installation is a fun, accessible way for everyone to learn a little more about Matariki.”

Last year's event included displays at New Brighton, with a firework display capping off the festival.

This year, however, Tīrama Mai won’t coincide with the fireworks as the two spectacles will run on different dates.

Additionally, there will be no displays in New Brighton this year.

Blackmore says the reason for this change is mainly down to COVID.

“Over the past few years, we’ve been juggling COVID restrictions, while introducing some new events into the winter schedule.”

She added that it was great to have more certainty this year and to see the council's revamped winter schedule start to settle into place.

From this year onward, Tīrama Mai will kick off the council’s winter events programme which runs from 24 June to 3 July.

The festival will line up with the Matariki public holiday each year going forward.

The next event to look forward to is the Winter Fireworks Spectacular, which coincides with the start of the winter school holidays on 9 July.