Puanga (the star of Rigel) traditionally marks the start of the Māori New Year for tāngata whenua in Whanganui.

Puanga Rising in Majestic Square

With a new Matariki public holiday observed across the country this year, Whanganui will celebrate its own form of the Maori New Year, Puanga, with a free community event in Majestic Square on the evening of Friday 24 June. 
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Puanga Rising will run from 5.30–8.30pm with a mix of live music, art displays, cultural performances, and kai from a range of food stalls.
 
The event is being organised by Mainstreet Whanganui and Whanganui District Council, with support from the Whanganui Regional Māori ​Tourism Organisation and the Town Centre Regeneration project.
 
Mainstreet Whanganui General Manager, Des Warahi, says it will be fantastic to have a whanau-focused event in the heart of our city to celebrate our region’s rich Māori heritage and shine a spotlight on our talented local artists.

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