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NZ Herald
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Rotorua drone show celebrates Matariki with stunning night display
Thousands of people heralded in the Māori New Year at the Aronui Matariki Drone Show above Rotorua Lakefront over the long weekend. Painting a story across the night sky in a 'mesmerising performance', locals and manuhiri [visitors] were treated to a story of Matariki, told by Ngāti Whakaue/ Te
Scoop
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Aronui Hosts Thousands On The Rotorua Lakefront For Matariki Drone Show
The stars aligned on Friday and Saturday for the Aronui Drone Show above Kouramāwhitiwhiti (Rotorua Lakefront) for captivating Matariki storytelling experiences featuring drones, light and sound displays. Part of a wider offering from the Aronui Arts Festival, this was the second year of hosting Matariki events in Rotorua. Painting a story across the night sky in a mesmerising performance, manuhiri [visitors] and residents of Rotorua were treated to a story of Matariki, told by Ngāti Whakaue/ Te Arawa artists. Funded by One Foundation, Rotorua Trust, Rotorua Lakes Council, DIA Lotteries and Rotorua NZ, the free outdoor event is a world-first performance and New Zealand's largest drone show. that pays tribute to the Māori New Year, telling the story of Matariki using drones as the medium. The show has been recognised as a combination of cutting-edge technology, rooted in ancient knowledge. It tells a story of honouring those who passed in the year since the rising and setting of Matariki the previous year; focussing on the lifting of their memory to the stars, where they will be forever remembered by their loved ones. June Grant ONZM, one of Aronui's Board of Trustees said the fusion of tech, culture and the arts shows the relevance of mātauranga Māori [knowledge, wisdom] in contemporary arts: ' The movement of drones can represent the stars of the Matariki cluster, the flight of manu, or the journey of souls returning to the heavens. Each shape can hold deep meaning combining ancient knowledge with futuristic tools. This fusion shows the world that mātauranga Māori is alive, relevant, and adaptable, grounded in the wisdoms of our Tūpuna and open to new ways of expression.' The festival transformed Rotorua's nightlife at the Village Green into a scene of energy and new beginnings as Rotorua's residents and visitors herald in the Māori New Year over the long weekend. Organisers say thousands came to see the show, with some people video calling loved ones in, from all over the world. For its second year, additions were made to the performance which included tohunga reo/ taonga puoro artist Dr. Anaha Hiini. He joined the team, crafting a live soundscape using traditional Māori instruments to accompany the visual storytelling alongside taonga puoro artist Riki Bennett. This year the entire performance- narrative and music- was broadcast live on Te Arawa FM, for the first time, expanding its reach across the region. Dr. Hiini said: 'I want it to illuminate the stories, meanings, and traditions behind this sacred time. The show should offer both education and inspiration, helping people not only to understand Matariki, but to feel its presence, history and relevance in our lives today.' Aronui Chief Executive and Artistic Director Cian Elyse White says the positive response from the community inspired a bolder return; 'The energy last year was electric- there was such a positive vibe in the city, with people travelling from across the motu to see the show. Matariki holds deep meaning for Māori, and it's wonderful to see the new year being embraced by the wider community.' During the 2024 Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards, Aronui won the Mountain Jade award for Creative Arts and Design. They were also a finalist in Scion's Innovation and Technology category. The Rotorua Matariki celebrations also included an Exhibition of Light at the Arts Village and an expanded Rotorua Night Market that showcased food, crafts, and stalls from past Aronui Māori Market vendors, it ran on June Friday 20 and Saturday 21 - turning the lakefront into a vibrant place to spend the Matariki long weekend. Aronui Chairwoman, Mercia-Dawn Yates said the drone show is a powerful way to share mātauranga Māor i: 'I'm incredibly excited to be showcasing our stories in such a powerful and innovative way. Using modern technology as a vessel to share mātauranga Matariki allows us to honour our traditions while reaching new audiences, ensuring our knowledge continues to shine brightly into the future. Mānawatia a Matariki.'
NZ Herald
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Rotorua Matariki event schedule packed with enriching experiences
Rotorua Matariki celebrations promise to leave locals and visitors alike feeling 'enriched and inspired' this long weekend. From a sacred Hautapu dawn ceremony led by Ngāti Whakaue to the return of spectacular drone shows at the lakefront – the schedule is jam-packed. 'We want people to walk away
Scoop
12-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Rotorua set to shine bright this Matariki with the return of the ARONUI Drone Show
Press Release – Rotorua New Zealand This years theme, Matariki m Puanga, is all about inclusion, embracing diversity, and celebrating together. Rotorua is fast becoming 'the' destination to acknowledge and celebrate Matariki, with jam-packed schedule of events, music, activities and a sacred dawn ceremony – all of which enable locals and manuhiri alike to share the tikanga and magic that Matariki brings. This year's theme, Matariki mā Puanga, is all about inclusion, embracing diversity, and celebrating together. Matariki adviser Mataia Keepa (Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa) says Matariki – the Māori New Year – is a time to reflect on those who have passed, give thanks for the present, and plan for the future. 'Matariki was tied to the land, and those who occupied it initiated practices on how best to prepare. These traditions continue today, and all of these events in Rotorua help us connect through kai, kōrero, music and shared experience.' Set against the backdrop of Rotorua's geothermal landscapes, these events promise to bring the community together in meaningful, uplifting ways. 'It's a beautiful time to be in our city, and it's particularly special to be able to share our traditions with new generations, cultures, locals and manuhiri. Together, we are creating a new legacy around Matariki.' As Matariki is more than just a single public holiday, Keepa gifted the name 'Matawiki' to Rotorua, to acknowledge a full wiki (week) of connection, remembrance and celebration. Mayor Tania Tapsell says Rotorua is fast becoming the top destination to celebrate Matariki. 'We really made a mark last year with a drone show on our Lakefront and we can't wait to build on this for 2025. We're so grateful for the opportunity to support and promote all the incredible people and organisations in our community contributing to these memorable and powerful Matariki events in Rotorua. 'The Matariki stars shine on everyone, and I really encourage locals and visitors to embrace the values of inclusion and coming together as a community as we celebrate in June'. Matariki highlights in Rotorua include: Tohunga Tūmau Dinner – A five-course indigenous dining experience celebrating Māori cuisine, on 13 June at the Energy Events Centre. Aronui Arts Festival Drone Show – A captivating Matariki storytelling experience featuring drones and light displays on 19 & 20 June at the Rotorua Lakefront. Rotorua Night Market – An expanded market with kai, crafts and stalls from past Aronui Māori Market vendors, alongside regular favourites, coinciding with the Drone Show on 19 & 20 June at the Rotorua Lakefront. Ngāti Whakaue Hautapu – Iwi-led, traditional Matariki New Year ceremony held on the morning of 20 June at Whakatāhuna Ngaru, a specific land section of what is widely known as the Rotorua Lakefront. Matariki Hautapu Ceremony – A sacred dawn ceremony of remembrance, gratitude, and renewal, held on 20 June at Te Puia. Whānau Fun Day at Te Puia – An interactive celebration for the whole family with activities and entertainment on 20 June at Te Puia. Te Mātahi o te Tau featuring 1814 – Celebrate the Māori New Year with live music from 1814, supported by Jordyn with a Why and R67, on 21 June at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Matariki Glow Show – A free, bilingual theatre performance for tamariki, on 22 June at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Te Puia Matariki Buffet Dinners – Enjoy seasonal dishes inspired by the stars of Matariki, Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi, Waitī and Waitā, every Thursday and Friday throughout June at Te Puia. For more information on these events, visit RotoruaNZ proudly supports the mahi of the many event organisers and creatives bringing these events to life. By amplifying their efforts, the goal is to make sure everyone in Rotorua knows what's on and feels welcome to take part.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Rotorua set to shine bright this Matariki with the return of the ARONUI Drone Show
Rotorua is fast becoming 'the' destination to acknowledge and celebrate Matariki, with jam-packed schedule of events, music, activities and a sacred dawn ceremony – all of which enable locals and manuhiri alike to share the tikanga and magic that Matariki brings. This year's theme, Matariki mā Puanga, is all about inclusion, embracing diversity, and celebrating together. Matariki adviser Mataia Keepa (Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa) says Matariki – the Māori New Year – is a time to reflect on those who have passed, give thanks for the present, and plan for the future. 'Matariki was tied to the land, and those who occupied it initiated practices on how best to prepare. These traditions continue today, and all of these events in Rotorua help us connect through kai, kōrero, music and shared experience.' Set against the backdrop of Rotorua's geothermal landscapes, these events promise to bring the community together in meaningful, uplifting ways. 'It's a beautiful time to be in our city, and it's particularly special to be able to share our traditions with new generations, cultures, locals and manuhiri. Together, we are creating a new legacy around Matariki.' As Matariki is more than just a single public holiday, Keepa gifted the name 'Matawiki' to Rotorua, to acknowledge a full wiki (week) of connection, remembrance and celebration. Mayor Tania Tapsell says Rotorua is fast becoming the top destination to celebrate Matariki. 'We really made a mark last year with a drone show on our Lakefront and we can't wait to build on this for 2025. We're so grateful for the opportunity to support and promote all the incredible people and organisations in our community contributing to these memorable and powerful Matariki events in Rotorua. 'The Matariki stars shine on everyone, and I really encourage locals and visitors to embrace the values of inclusion and coming together as a community as we celebrate in June'. Matariki highlights in Rotorua include: Tohunga Tūmau Dinner – A five-course indigenous dining experience celebrating Māori cuisine, on 13 June at the Energy Events Centre. Aronui Arts Festival Drone Show – A captivating Matariki storytelling experience featuring drones and light displays on 19 & 20 June at the Rotorua Lakefront. Rotorua Night Market – An expanded market with kai, crafts and stalls from past Aronui Māori Market vendors, alongside regular favourites, coinciding with the Drone Show on 19 & 20 June at the Rotorua Lakefront. Ngāti Whakaue Hautapu – Iwi-led, traditional Matariki New Year ceremony held on the morning of 20 June at Whakatāhuna Ngaru, a specific land section of what is widely known as the Rotorua Lakefront. Matariki Hautapu Ceremony – A sacred dawn ceremony of remembrance, gratitude, and renewal, held on 20 June at Te Puia. Whānau Fun Day at Te Puia – An interactive celebration for the whole family with activities and entertainment on 20 June at Te Puia. Te Mātahi o te Tau featuring 1814 – Celebrate the Māori New Year with live music from 1814, supported by Jordyn with a Why and R67, on 21 June at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Matariki Glow Show – A free, bilingual theatre performance for tamariki, on 22 June at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Te Puia Matariki Buffet Dinners – Enjoy seasonal dishes inspired by the stars of Matariki, Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi, Waitī and Waitā, every Thursday and Friday throughout June at Te Puia. For more information on these events, visit RotoruaNZ proudly supports the mahi of the many event organisers and creatives bringing these events to life. By amplifying their efforts, the goal is to make sure everyone in Rotorua knows what's on and feels welcome to take part.
