Community
- Murihiku Matariki Festival shifts to ILT Stadium Southland for the first time.
- Festival features performers Aro, workshops, and interactive light installations.
- Venue change aims to enhance the community experience and celebrate Matariki.
It’s a big few days for organisers of the Murihiku Matariki festival as they start decorating the ILT Stadium Southland for the first time.
Professional performers Aro will take to the stage Friday and Saturday, after numerous interactive workshops throughout the night.
The move 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 with what the trust could do and on a small budget, and always had the weather to contend with.
The Matariki festival has taken over the entire full stadium, including the velodrome, and using spaces both inside and out for its light installations.
Moving the event indoors also allowed them to maintain the natural progression of the celebrations and better cater to the diverse needs of the community.
“It also opens up new opportunities for creativity and innovation, enabling us to keep the event fresh and dynamic year after year,” Sharne said.
Organisers believe the venue change will ultimately enhance the overall experience for its attendees, while retaining the spirit and cultural significance of Matariki.
The ILT Stadium Southland team is thrilled to be working closely with the Tūturu Charitable Trust to uphold tikanga and host such an important event.
Sharne said stadium staff had been amazing and it was so good to have such a supportive team involved.
“The stadium has been transformed. It will be such a surprise to the senses. We encourage everyone to arrive hungry and enjoy all of the delicious kai in the velodrome.”
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.