Dia do Manu Aute Kite

Por Murray Dewhurst em Auckland, Nova Zelândia

Manu Aute Kite Day is held each year as part of our Matariki (Maori New Year) celebrations. It takes place at Orakei Marae, sitting on a ridge over looking the city and harbour it’s the perfect place to catch an onshore breeze. Kite flying was popular with ancient maori and used particularly during Matariki. Kites were believed to make a spiritual connection with the gods.

It’s a great day to check out some impressive kites of all shapes and sizes in action, the most impressive being this enormous life size whale (seen here hovering over my sons head). As well as kite flying you can try your hand at building a traditional Maori kite, try some delicious hangi food and enjoy the kapa haka performances.