Puanga

Puanga Flag Competition

You can check out our winning designs from the Puanga Flag Competition flying down Broadway from 15 June – 15 July.

You can see all entries on display at the Library and Visitor Information Centre.

Puanga rākau reflections and aspirations activity

10 June - 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.

Poi Workshops

Saturday 4 July, 10am or 1pm

Stratford War Memorial Centre

In partnership with and proudly 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 beginners of all abilities.

What you need to know:

✨ Free to attend, but registrations essential. REGISTER HERE.

✨ All materials provided

✨ Suitable for everyone aged 11 years and over

✨ Participants under 15 years must be accompanied by an adult

✨ Plenty of free parking available directly outside the venue

Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho (The treasures passed down)

Saturday 4 July, 10am to 3pm

Function Facility, War Memorial Centre.

A display of Māori art, by Whakaahurangi Māori Women's Welfare League Raranga Rōpū

Discover the beauty of Māori craftsmanship through raranga, tuku tuku, and tāniko, celebrating culture, stories and connection.

In partnership with, and delivered by, Whakaahurangi Māori Women's Welfare League, this special exhibition invites you to explore the rich and vibrant world of Māori crafts. Meet the talented creators, discover the stories woven into each piece, and immerse yourself in the traditions, creativity, and cultural knowledge that are shared through craft.

Take your time browsing the exhibition, enjoy a cuppa and conversation, and soak up the warm community atmosphere.

Our fully accessible venue welcomes people of all ages. Matariki-themed activities will be available for younger children, giving whānau the opportunity to relax and enjoy the exhibition together.

Puanganui-o-te-Rangi

Thursday 9 July, 4pm - 7pm

War Memorial Centre, Stratford

A collaboration between Ngāruahine Iwi Health Services 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 including Fire poi by Fire and Flow and Kapa Haka

✨ Weaving wānanga with Māori Womens Welfare League

✨ Glow face painting

✨ Hands-on activities for tamariki

✨ Health and wellbeing stations

✨ Free sausage sizzle

✨ Ice-cream

✨ …and more!

Stratford Library kōrero and crafts for school students

Local primary school tamariki will be visiting Stratford Library throughout the week to learn about Puanga and Matariki through creative storytelling and craft activities.

These are booked school sessions and not open to the public.