Matariki with the tamariki

Matariki is a time for family and community to celebrate and reflect on the year ended, as well as preparing for the year to come.

And that was exactly what Invercargill's residents did this weekend.

Families gathered at the Matariki Festival in Esk St to have fun, watch kapa haka groups and have a go at poi dancing.

Tony McColgan brought his grandson Caleb (2) to the event for the first time.

"It is important to him to have exposure to and learn about the Maori culture while young."

Maori New Year is marked by the reappearance of a cluster of stars known as Mataraki, or Pleiades, in the winter sky before dawn. REPORT & PHOTO: LUISA GIRAO