Finding the hidden gem amongst a neighbourhood's stormwater reserve has been the brainchild of Pāpāmoa Unlimited's Julia Manktelow as she and her team lit up the waterways this weekend to celebrate Matariki.

Over 30,000 people came out on Friday evening to enjoy the transformation of Te Ara ō Wairākei - Pāpāmoa Stormwater Reserve into a glowing light trail telling the story of the stars of Matariki.

'Manawatia a Matariki Pāpāmoa! Thank you for all the support of our beautiful community,” says Julia. 'We are blown away.”

Te Ara ō Wairākei trail was illuminated with lighting installations until 11pm on Friday to celebrate the nine stars in the constellation of Matariki, while a large screen at the beginning of the trail near Pāpāmoa Plaza played Te Iwa o Matariki.

The trail through Te Ara ō Wairākei - Pāpāmoa Stormwater Reserve. Photo: Chris Taylor.

Julia says that there were 8000 people on the trail continually, with over 30,000 at the event.

'It was huge. We had quite a big crowd at the start as music was playing so it was quite consistent. People would go on the trail with new people arriving to enjoy the music."

Despite rain earlier in the day, it stayed fine as people wrapped up warmly to enjoy the evening.

The trail through Te Ara ō Wairākei - Pāpāmoa Stormwater Reserve. Photo: Chris Taylor.

Julia had mapped out the trail to be the same formation as the stars of Matariki with nine key points where lights beamed up into the sky.

'You came through the archway and then a data projector had a screen with the story of Matariki, and someone talking about the stars and what they mean.

'And then at nine locations there were nine different stars, with light beaming into the sky. People could read a storyboard about what that star was. A speaker gave a sound that was associated with each star which made it more interactive.”

She says people were excited to learn more about Matariki from the trail, as they stopped to read the signs along the way that showed what each star was. The lights across the waterways created a magical breathtaking experience, with many locals not having visited the reserve before and commenting on what a great asset it is.

The trail through Te Ara ō Wairākei - Pāpāmoa Stormwater Reserve. Photo: Chris Taylor.

'It's a hidden gem, people don't realise it's there. Even the locals are saying it's so cool to see the stormwaters utilised.”

Julia also had a waka named Hikurangi which Pāpāmoa College students had built illuminated and floating on the water.

'The name of the waka was gifted from Nga Potiki A Tamapahore Trust.”

She is grateful for the way the event has also established and grown stronger links across the community.

'How incredible this journey has been, weaving this between Pāpāmoa community and Nga Potiki A Tamapahore Trust.

'We were really proud that we've been able to build this strong relationship with iwi, and have Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Otepou out there doing a waiata for Pāpāmoa.

'It was beautiful. We can't wait to build on that and do more incredible things.”

Te Ara ō Wairākei - Pāpāmoa Stormwater Reserve lit up by lights highlighting the nine stars of Matariki. Photo: Chris Taylor.

Pāpāmoa Unlimited has been assisted by a large team of volunteers including Jodie Kendall, Ash Marks, Hugh Day Photography, PāpāmoaRugby Club Inc, MyRide Mt Maunganui and Pāpāmoa Community Patrol. Support partners for the event included Nga Potiki A Tamapahore Trust, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Otepou, Te Wananga o Aotearoa, Pāpāmoa College, Pāpāmoa Plaza, Event Production Services Ltd & Orbit, Stuff, Aegis Private Security Ltd, and Public Sound Company.

The festivities kicked off with a heartwarming whakatau/welcoming ceremony by Ngă Potiki at Pāpāmoa Plaza.

The unforgettable evening was filled with manaakitanga, whānau, live performances and stunning lights, and a mesmerizing kapahaka performance from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Otepou Tuākana, the national primary school team captivated the audience.

Te Ara ō Wairākei - Pāpāmoa Stormwater Reserve lit up by lights highlighting the nine stars of Matariki. Photo: Chris Taylor.

Live music until 7.30pm added to the magical atmosphere with performances by Rise Dance Company, Videl Harrison, Amaleigh Manktelow, Lucian McDermott, Sonorous and Wild Lanes Music.

'A huge thank you to you for giving up your long weekend to give back to the community. You were incredible and we were so stoked to have you,” says Julia to the performers. 'And I'm so grateful for all the support we have got from Tauranga Moana.”

As the sun set, the enchanting light trail began at 6pm and continued until 11pm.

Live performances took place on stage at the entrance to the Te Ara ō Wairākei - Pāpāmoa Stormwater Reserve. Photo: Chris Taylor.

Mr G – Graham Hoete – posted about how packed out the event was on his Facebook page.

'I was actually overwhelmed by the turnout and celebrations of Matariki, it was beautiful. So proud to be Maori… what a time to be alive…miharo rawa atu.”

Julia already has plans for next year.

'It's all about inclusivity and to be able to give back to the businesses as well, as it's been hard times for them too.

'Next year I want to work with the schools to see more kapa haka performing.”

She says Pāpāmoa Unlimited, as a not-for-profit organisation, needs sponsorship to continue to grow the event next year.

Pāpāmoa Unlimited also runs the official Santa parade for Tauranga city, and during the year run the Pedal & Pump event at Easter and Halloween.

'We'll be back for June 2024 bigger, brighter and more interactive but we are going to need some big sponsors and support.

'As a not for profit organization we do a lot of what we do for love. If you are keen to get involved please get in touch with me on email at julia@onewave.nz.”

Te Ara ō Wairākei - Pāpāmoa Stormwater Reserve lit up by lights highlighting the nine stars of Matariki. Photo: Chris Taylor.