An estimated 500 people attended an inaugural Matariki celebration held in Whangaparāoa on July 2, organised by the Future Whangaparāoa Trust.
Organiser Sara Mason says feedback from participants was very positive and, as a result, the event will be held annually.
She says the evening provided the community with an opportunity to celebrate the Maori New Year, which is both a time for reflection and a time to look to the future.
It was also an opportunity to embrace Tikanga Maori and Te Reo Maori.
Sara says the large interior of Sportscave was the ideal venue and allowed for the participation of a number of groups including Love Soup, St John, Manly Volunteer Fire Brigade, and kapa haka groups from Stanmore Bay, Whangaparāoa and Gulf Harbour Primary schools.
Love Soup raised just over $1660 through hangi sales, which will go towards its school lunches programme.
The festival was sponsored by the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board and Telos Real Estate Group.
