Ōpōtiki is determined to be the go-to place in the central North Island for Matariki events this year and has applied to four organisations for funding.
In a report to the council this week, events manager Joseph Hayes sought support for funding applications to the Aotearoa Gaming Trust and The Lion Foundation, Bay Trust and Trust Horizon for the Ōpōtiki Matariki Festival in June.
This year it will be the fourth Matariki event organised by the council since 2019. The previous three have been well attended, with last year featuring an extended programme of events. Mr Hayes said last year’s event was a first step toward the council’s vision to make Ōpōtiki the central North Island’s go-to destination for celebrating Matariki.
He said that with this year being the first to have a Matariki public holiday, on June 24, it would be another step towards realising the vision.
Celebrations are planned to take place throughout the week, from June 20 to 26.
“We will continue to create and establish Matariki events and provide an umbrella for event organisers and groups in the community to promote their Matariki events through.”
