Matariki drone shows ‘all on'
Drones form the shape of a bird seemingly perched on University of Otago buildings during a rehearsal for Matariki displays at Logan Park, Dunedin. Two shows this evening are expected to be watched by thousands of people. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY
The weather should be settled enough for Matariki drone shows in Dunedin to proceed successfully tonight and draw big crowds, an organiser says.
"Wind's looking good. Rain's going away, so she's all on at this stage," Drone Sky Shows director Shane Wild said.
The plan is for Dunedin's night sky to dazzle with drone lights, weaving local stories into the stars, from 6pm and 8.30pm at Logan Park.
Last year's event attracted 15,000 people, prompting organisers to extend the event footprint across the park this year and have a large area for food trucks and dining.
The MetService forecast scattered showers today would clear by noon.
Tomorrow is set aside as a contingency night, just in case the conditions prove to be problematic.
"I expect it to be fine [tonight]. Wind's low, no rain — we're all go," Mr Wild said.
He described meticulous preparation to implement the vision.
"We've got specialised people that do all the choreography for the show and make that wow factor," Mr Wild said.
A pilot would run the software, and another pilot would be on standby.
"So, he's got a manual control, too, if we need some help from him."
The show was produced in collaboration with mana whenua and cultural and cultural advisers.
Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou and Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki representatives Tāwini White and Paulette Tamati-Elliffe issued a joint statement about the project and Matariki generally.
"This drone show celebrates our environment and traditional mahika kai, the procurement of highly valued natural resources that have sustained mana whenua over generations," they said.
The 2025 theme acknowledged Matariki and Puaka as important stars.
"During the national hautapu that was hosted by Ōtākou last year, a karakia for Puaka was included, as well as karakia to the stars of Matariki, to celebrate both," the mana whenua representatives said.
"Together, they guide us into a season of reflection, celebration and hope.
"It is a time of growth for our customs and our knowledge is strengthened through practice that can be shared with our community."
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