Puanga Rising

Rug up warm and join us for a free community celebration in Majestic Square to celebrate Puanga and mark the new Matariki public holiday!

Running from 5.30–8.30pm on Friday 24 June, Puanga Rising will be a whānau-friendly event with live music, art displays, cultural performances and delicious kai from a range of local food trucks.

The line up includes taonga pūoro practitioner Tom Carroll, storyteller Lisa Reweti, singer-songwriter Bobby Rae and veteran reggae group Roots Provider.

There'll also be traditional Māori games, digital art projections, traditional hīnaki (woven eel pots) on display, and creative art and lighting decorating our trees.

Strictly alcohol and smoke-free. In the event of wet weather, the event will be shifted to Saturday 25 June.

Puanga Rising is organised by Mainstreet Whanganui and Whanganui District Council, with support from the Whanganui Regional Māori Tourism Organisation, the Town Centre Regeneration project, Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui and Sport Whanganui.