Aronui Hosts Thousands On The Rotorua Lakefront For Matariki Drone Show
The stars aligned on Friday and Saturday for the Aronui Drone Show above Kouramāwhitiwhiti (Rotorua Lakefront) for captivating Matariki storytelling experiences featuring drones, light and sound displays.
Part of a wider offering from the Aronui Arts Festival, this was the second year of hosting Matariki events in Rotorua.
Painting a story across the night sky in a mesmerising performance, manuhiri [visitors] and residents of Rotorua were treated to a story of Matariki, told by Ngāti Whakaue/ Te Arawa artists.
Funded by One Foundation, Rotorua Trust, Rotorua Lakes Council, DIA Lotteries and Rotorua NZ, the free outdoor event is a world-first performance and New Zealand's largest drone show. that pays tribute to the Māori New Year, telling the story of Matariki using drones as the medium. The show has been recognised as a combination of cutting-edge technology, rooted in ancient knowledge.
It tells a story of honouring those who passed in the year since the rising and setting of Matariki the previous year; focussing on the lifting of their memory to the stars, where they will be forever remembered by their loved ones.
June Grant ONZM, one of Aronui's Board of Trustees said the fusion of tech, culture and the arts shows the relevance of mātauranga Māori [knowledge, wisdom] in contemporary arts:
' The movement of drones can represent the stars of the Matariki cluster, the flight of manu, or the journey of souls returning to the heavens. Each shape can hold deep meaning combining ancient knowledge with futuristic tools. This fusion shows the world that mātauranga Māori is alive, relevant, and adaptable, grounded in the wisdoms of our Tūpuna and open to new ways of expression.'
The festival transformed Rotorua's nightlife at the Village Green into a scene of energy and new beginnings as Rotorua's residents and visitors herald in the Māori New Year over the long weekend. Organisers say thousands came to see the show, with some people video calling loved ones in, from all over the world.
For its second year, additions were made to the performance which included tohunga reo/ taonga puoro artist Dr. Anaha Hiini. He joined the team, crafting a live soundscape using traditional Māori instruments to accompany the visual storytelling alongside taonga puoro artist Riki Bennett.
This year the entire performance- narrative and music- was broadcast live on Te Arawa FM, for the first time, expanding its reach across the region.
Dr. Hiini said: 'I want it to illuminate the stories, meanings, and traditions behind this sacred time. The show should offer both education and inspiration, helping people not only to understand Matariki, but to feel its presence, history and relevance in our lives today.'
Aronui Chief Executive and Artistic Director Cian Elyse White says the positive response from the community inspired a bolder return;
'The energy last year was electric- there was such a positive vibe in the city, with people travelling from across the motu to see the show. Matariki holds deep meaning for Māori, and it's wonderful to see the new year being embraced by the wider community.'
During the 2024 Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards, Aronui won the Mountain Jade award for Creative Arts and Design. They were also a finalist in Scion's Innovation and Technology category.
The Rotorua Matariki celebrations also included an Exhibition of Light at the Arts Village and an expanded Rotorua Night Market that showcased food, crafts, and stalls from past Aronui Māori Market vendors, it ran on June Friday 20 and Saturday 21 - turning the lakefront into a vibrant place to spend the Matariki long weekend.
Aronui Chairwoman, Mercia-Dawn Yates said the drone show is a powerful way to share mātauranga Māor i:
'I'm incredibly excited to be showcasing our stories in such a powerful and innovative way. Using modern technology as a vessel to share mātauranga Matariki allows us to honour our traditions while reaching new audiences, ensuring our knowledge continues to shine brightly into the future. Mānawatia a Matariki.'
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