Centre’s first Matariki celebration

Lawrence Area School’s Te Kapa Haka Tuapeka group paused with pleasure to acknowledge their supporters at Te Pou ō Mata-Au Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centre on Thursday.

Whanau saluted their on-stage tamariki from the packed, 480-seat auditorium with their own haka — an honour extended repeatedly to performers of all ages and backgrounds, from kindergarten children to tupuna who had committed to marking Matariki with their practised presentations. It was the first Matariki celebration in Balclutha’s new centre, which hosted daytime and evening shows starring two dozen community entertainment groups, formal welcomes, festive food stands and an indoor market.