What does Puanga mean to you? Our Street Flag Comp is back for 2023

Our annual Puanga Design a Flag competition for tamariki and rangatahi is now open!

Come July, the winning flags will fly down the town’s main street to celebrate the start of the Māori New Year.

Chade Julie, SDC Acting Director – Community Services, says flag designs should reflect what Puanga means to the person creating it.

“We’re always amazed at what our talented young people create. So much thought and creativity go into the designs and the results are a wonderful celebration of our community and te ao Māori,” says Chade.

“We had over 150 entries last year and we’re hoping we’ll have at least that again. It’s been a great way for our kura to engage with kids around Puanga in a fun and creative way.”

Entry forms are available to download here or pick one up from the Stratford Library and Visitor Information Centre. The competition is open to young people aged from 5 to 18 years of age and they’ll have until 4.30pm on Friday 9 June 2023 to submit their design.

Puanga is Taranaki’s celebration of the Māori New Year, known as Matariki across much of the motu. Festivities in Whakaahurangi will conclude with a free community event in Prospero Place on Thursday 13 July.

“Puanga is a time to reflect on the past, acknowledge those who have come before, and then look out to the future. We hope to be celebrating Puanga together as a community for years to come,” says Chade. “Might be a good flag design in that!”