Porirua’s Matariki celebrations continue this week with a free harbourside light display and a day of remembrance activities at Pātaka Art + Museum.
The light display runs from Thursday 9 July to Sunday 12 July, from 5.30pm to 9pm each night, along the Porirua harbourside from Pirate’s Cove on Wi Neera Drive to Pak’nSave.
The outdoor display is open to the whole whānau, with food trucks selling warm kai.
Apex the artist will also offer free face painting for tamariki inside Kai Tahi from 5.30pm to 7.30pm each evening.
On Friday 10 July, Pātaka Art + Museum will host a free Matariki event honouring the remembrance star Pōhutukawa.
The event runs from 10am to 5pm and invites people to gather for reflection, connection and remembrance.
Activities include a Ngāti Toa-led kōrero within Mutumutu ki Mukukai, where local waterways hold stories of people and place. Visitors can also remember whānau at a waka installation by creating personal tributes to loved ones.
Whānau activities, live music, kai and a welcoming courtyard space will run throughout the day.
Rongoā seedlings from Porirua City Nursery will also be available for people to take home and plant.
More information about Pātaka’s Matariki events is available on the Pātaka website.