A group of Invercargill children started to celebrate Matariki on Monday when they took part in a poi workshop at the Invercargill Public Library.
Poi are a part of Māori culture and have long been used to increase co-ordination and rhythm as well as just for the simple joy of using them.
Eight-year-old Ruby Strudwicke was among them.
"It is my first time doing a poi like this.
"I have made them with socks before but they stink."
Ruby Strudwicke learns how to make a proper poi for the first time at the Invercargill Public Library. PHOTO: COLE YEOMAN
Korabella Coe (7) had been practising at her school and taught her young sister Kobe-Rose (4) how to play.
Invercargill City Libraries learning connections co-ordinator Lindsay King said it was great to host the workshop during the school holiday as it was an activity where the children learned as well as had fun.
"They’ve got something to enjoy, and something to remind them of Matariki as well."
