Community
The first night of Matariki celebrations at ILT Stadium Southland was a resounding success, with over 8,000 community members in attendance. The event, which featured a variety of performances, workshops, food stalls, and stunning displays, brought the community together in a heartwarming display of cultural unity.
Jo Hutton, General Manager of ILT Stadium Southland, expressed her delight at the turnout and the positive response from the community: “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response from our community on the first night of our Matariki celebrations. Hosting over 8,000 members of our community was truly heartwarming, and we’re delighted to see so many people enjoying the performances, workshops, food, and stunning displays.”
The move to hold the event indoors was made by the Tūturu Charitable Trust to try something new and to provide the community with a more reliable and comfortable environment. Queens Park had limitations due to budget constraints and weather conditions, which often posed challenges. By taking over the entire stadium, including the velodrome and using both indoor and outdoor spaces for light installations, the festival was able to offer a more comprehensive and engaging experience.
Sharne from the organising team noted, “It also opens up new opportunities for creativity and innovation, enabling us to keep the event fresh and dynamic year after year.”
Moving the event indoors allowed for the natural progression of the celebrations and better catered to the diverse needs of the community. This change is believed to enhance the overall experience for attendees while retaining the spirit and cultural significance of Matariki.
Hutton also extended her gratitude to the community for their patience and support during the venue’s transformation for the event: “We are immensely grateful for our community’s patience and the supportive feedback we’ve received as we transformed our entire venue to celebrate Matariki. This significant cultural event holds a special place in our hearts, and the transformation of ILT Stadium Southland into a hub of Matariki festivities has been a massive undertaking. We hope everyone has been able to come together here at the Stadium to celebrate the Māori New Year in a way that honours traditions and fosters community spirit.”
The success of the event highlights the importance of Matariki in the community and underscores the dedication of ILT Stadium Southland in providing a venue that celebrates cultural traditions and brings people together. The festivities will continue, promising more opportunities for the community to engage, celebrate, and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Matariki.
Matariki @ ILT Stadium Southland will be open from 4pm to 10pm on Friday, 28 and Saturday, 29 June, and from 5pm to 8pm on the Sunday.
keep up todate by following the Tūturu Charitable Trust Facebook page
Entry is by koha.