This year Millbrook Resort was proud to be sponsoring the 2023 Matariki Arrowtown Lights event, a vibrant celebration that brings together thousands of people to honour Matariki, the beginning of the Māori New Year.
In Māori culture, Matariki refers to the Pleiades star cluster, and its first rising in late June or early July symbolises the start of the Māori lunar calendar’s new year. Although this celebration had lost its popularity since the 1940’s, there has been a remarkable revival in the 2000’s. Since 2022, Matariki has been recognised with a public holiday, now observed annually, during which countless individuals participate in various events commemorating the beginning of the Māori New Year, along with family gatherings to honour departed loved ones and plan for the year ahead.
Returning for its second year, the Matariki Arrowtown Lights once again proved to be a wonderful success. The public was treated to a spectacular exhibition of visual storytelling and light projections along Buckingham Street. The evening was filled with mesmerising kapa haka performances, music, delicious kai (food), illuminations, and heart-warming traditions.
The formalities commenced with a heartfelt mihi (greeting), karakia (prayer), and waiata tautoko (supporting song), performed by Cory Ratahi and Ngā Manu Hou o Whakatipu, setting a powerful and meaningful tone for the night’s festivities.
As night descended, the Arrowtown main street burst into life with an enchanting display of lights. The highly skilled South Island Light Orchestra (SILO) captured the essence of Matariki through their mesmerising illuminations and projections, presenting a visually breath-taking tribute to this significant event. The historic Arrowtown main street featured cosy fire pits, drawing people together to celebrate the spirit of Matariki and heartfelt stories, fostering a strong sense of community and connection among the attendees.
The festivities continued with dance performances and an engaging presentation by the renowned astrophysicist, Professor Brian Boyle. He took the stage to share his insights into the wonders of the Matariki stars, astrophotography, and the significance of Otago’s dark night skies. His in-depth knowledge captivated the audience, giving them a deeper appreciation for the celestial beauty that Matariki represents.
The overwhelming response from both the local community and visitors who enthusiastically embraced the celebration has left the Arrowtown Promotions and Business Association (APBA) filled with hope that this culturally significant occasion can now be established as a cherished annual event.
Photo credit: Still Vision Photography
