Matariki rises again in the Red Zone

Matariki, the constellation of stars that signals the Maori new year, rises over the red zone again this month and will be marked by the return of Matariki in the Zone on 25 June.
 
This popular community festival is hosted by Avon-Ōtākaro Network (AvON) in partnership with Ngāi Tūāhuriri at the Mahinga Kai Exemplar project in Anzac Drive reserve. 
 
Like last year there will be plenty of kid’s activities including hut building and a treasure hunt, as well as tree planting and carving and weaving workshops where everyone can have a go. And don’t forget of course the ever popular hangi kai with good coffee and hot chocolate!
 
This year will also see the dedication of a commemorative garden in front of the ‘Poppies over Gallipoli’ sculpture which incorporates stones from the Gallipoli Peninsula into the design.
 
“This will be the third anniversary of the opening of the Mahinga Kai Exemplar.  Since then over six thousand native trees and shrubs have been planted, and thousands of school and university students and community volunteers have been involved,” says Evan Smith, spokesperson for AvON.
 
“This is surely worth celebrating as communities work with Regenerate Christchurch to plan the regeneration of the whole lower river corridor.”
 
For the past six years Avon-Ōtākaro Network has been seeking to turn the red zone into a multi-purpose city-to-sea river park that meets diverse community needs and the maximum possible restoration of native ecosystems.
 
The event is free and this year will be held between 10am and 2pm on Sunday 25 June on the Corserland St (western) side of Anzac Drive Reserve.
 
The dedication of the garden will be at 10.20am at the corner of Anzac Drive and Travis Rd. The public are advised to park near the main event in Corserland St and walk to the dedication as there is no parking on Anzac Drive - access will be signposted off New Brighton Rd.  Dress for the weather with waterproof footwear.

At the event the winners of the children's Art & Writing "This is what the river told me" competition will be announced (and their work will be on display) and the winner of the Te Awa Ōtākaro / Avon Trail logo competition. Woody Lee, will receive his prize.

Its going to be all happening so make sure you come along!

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