​Stratford celebrates Puanga with programme of free community events

Stratford District Council (SDC) is inviting the community to take part in a series of Puanga celebrations across the district, marking the Māori New Year with events for all ages and interests.

Puanga signals a time to gather, remember those who have passed, celebrate what’s been achieved, and set intentions for the year ahead. Over the next two weeks, locals and visitors can get involved in a range of activities.

SDC Community and Economic Development Manager, Saba Afzal, says Puanga is about connection, across people, place, and time.

“Puanga gives us a moment to slow down and reconnect. It’s about honouring where we’ve come from, celebrating what we’ve achieved, and creating space to look ahead with intention,” says Saba. “Our programme has something for everyone, whether you’re keen to learn something new, spend time with whānau, or simply enjoy being part of the community.”

“There’s opportunities to explore mātauranga Māori, take part in hands-on activities, and experience the warmth of community during the winter season.”

Events include poi workshops and Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho, a display of Māori art by Whakaahurangi Māori Women’s Welfare League Raranga Rōpū, plus the return of Puanganui-o-te-rangi on Thursday 9 July, a community celebration delivered in partnership with Ngāruahine Iwi Health Service.

The event will feature kapa haka, fire poi, glow face painting, raranga (weaving), interactive activities for tamariki, and health and wellbeing spaces designed to support hauora.

Ngāruahine Iwi Health Services General Manager Warren Nicholls says, “Ngaruahine are always excited to be in this northern end of our Iwi Takiwa (boundary) to actively engage with Uri, Whānau Māori and the wider Hapori (community) utilising the time of ‘Puanga’ across our annual Maramataka to reflect and revise the year to date and to inform and plan our pathway ahead.”

“This Kaupapa not only enhances the understanding, knowledge and awareness at a community level about the significance and importance of Puanga in guiding our everyday lives, but equally important is how we receive feedback, sit and learn together and strengthen through mana enhanced relationships. I also acknowledge the longstanding partnership and relationship built with Te Kaunihera a rohe o Whakaahurangi (SDC),” says Warren.

Puanganui-o-te-rangi is about creating a warm, welcoming space where everyone feels they belong. “Whether you’ve celebrated every year with us or you’ve never been involved before, nau mai, haere mai, we invite everyone to come and enjoy the magic of Puanga. We’re proud to support events that bring people together in a meaningful way,” says Saba.

What’s on?

Puanga rākau reflections and aspirations activity | until 7 July

Percy Thomson Gallery Foyer

• Write down your burdens or the names of loved ones you’ve lost in the past year and these will be burned as part of our celebration event.
• Hang your aspirations and goals for the year ahead on our Puanga rākau.

Te mātauranga o te poi workshops: Saturday 4 July, 10am or 1pm

Stratford War Memorial Centre – FREE and limited spaces available, Register here

• Delivered by the Whakaahurangi Māori Women’s Welfare League, these hands-on workshops are a wonderful opportunity to connect, create, and learn together
• Discover the rich history and cultural significance of poi, make your very own poi to take home, and learn some fun and easy poi movements in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
• With a choice of either a morning or afternoon session, each workshop runs for approximately two hours and is suitable for ages 11 years and over.

Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho (the treasures passed down): Saturday 4 July, 10am – 3pm

Function Facility, Stratford War Memorial Centre – FREE

• A display of Māori art by Whakaahurangi Māori Women’s Welfare League Raranga Rōpū
• Discover the beauty of Māori craftsmanship through raranga, tukutuku, and tāniko, celebrating culture, stories, and connection.
• Puanga/Matariki-themed activities will be available for younger children, giving whānau the opportunity to relax and enjoy the exhibition together.

Puanga Flag Competition

Check out our winning designs from the Puanga Flag Competition flying down Broadway from until 15 July. You can see all entries on display at the Library and Visitor Information Centre.

Puanganui-o-te-rangi | Thursday 9 July, 4pm - 7pm

War Memorial Centre, Stratford – FREE

A collaboration between Ngāruahine Iwi Health Service and SDC, this is a free community event for all ages and focuses on entertainment, education, and hauora; a Māori philosophy of health and wellbeing.

Visitors will enjoy an evening inspired by the stars, including:

• Lighting displays
• Entertainment from Fire poi by Fire and Flow and Kapa Haka
• Weaving wānanga with Māori Women’s Welfare League
• Glow face painting
• Hands-on activities for tamariki
• Health and wellbeing stations
• Free sausage sizzle, and much more.

SDC acknowledges Ngāruahine Iwi Health Services as co-delivery partner for Puanganui-o-te-Rangi, Whakaahurangi Marae and the Māori Women’s Welfare League as partners in delivering workshops and activations across the Puanga programme, and thanks Toi Foundation and Taranaki Electricity Trust for funding support that enables this year’s celebrations.

To stay up to date with Stratford’s Puanga celebrations for 2026, people should visit Stratford.govt.nz/Puanga