Community
First Kidzone Festival, now Matariki Festival has paused for 2025.
ILT Kidzone Festival to Pause in 2025
Great South has made the difficult decision to pause the 2025 ILT Kidzone Festival primarily due to rising costs and resource demands. Great South Chief Executive Chami Abeysinghe said the decision had not been made lightly. “Kidzone has been an incredible event for Southland, loved by thousands of families and
News Desk
It is with heavy hearts and deep disappointment that we share the news that Tūturu Charitable Trust will not be going ahead with our annual Matariki Festival this year.
This decision has not been made lightly. Our festival has always been a special event — a culturally significant celebration of Matariki that brings together our schools, whānau, artists, vendors, and wider community in a spirit of reflection, renewal, and connection.
Unfortunately, the recent introduction of a separate light show within our city — one that does not have a connection to Matariki or any cultural kaupapa — poses significant challenges for us.
The timing, scale, and cost of this event, which runs across the two weekends leading up to when our festival was scheduled, is expected to impact attendance numbers considerably. Without the confidence of strong community turnout, we are unable to proceed sustainably.
We are truly saddened by this outcome. We want to extend our heartfelt apologies and gratitude to the many schools, community groups, artists, and vendors who have already begun creating, rehearsing, and preparing for this year’s festival. Your contributions are valued immensely, and we acknowledge the time, passion, and energy you’ve dedicated.
Tūturu Charitable Trust remains committed to celebrating Matariki in ways that are authentic, inclusive, and grounded in tikanga Māori. Though this year’s event will not take place, we are already looking toward the future and how we can continue to uplift this important celebration in the years ahead.
In the meantime, please keep an eye on our social media channels for updates — we’ll soon be announcing a series of free workshops and creative opportunities to stay connected and keep the wairua of Matariki alive in our community.
Thank you for your continued support, aroha, and understanding.
If you have any questions or would like to kōrero further, please feel free to reach out.
Ngā mihi nui
Lauren Colyer
Chair person
Tūturu Charitable Trust