The organisers of the Ōpōtiki Matariki Festival after their 2023 Ōpōtiki Matariki calendar of events was awarded top honours at the New Zealand Events Association Event Awards in Palmerston North on Tuesday, August 27.

The annual awards celebrate the innovation, creativity, and resilience of New Zealand's event industry with 69 finalists across 17 categories.

The list of finalists puts the local Matariki celebrations alongside some of the big names in New Zealand events such as Warbirds over Wanaka, FIFA World Cup, charity balls, music festivals and other top events.

The Ōpōtiki Matariki Festival 2023 event was a finalist in two categories: Best Arts, Cultural & Heritage Event, and Best Community or Not For Profit Event (Under 3000 Attendees).

They were winners in the category for Best Community or Not For Profit Event with under 3000 Attendees.

NZEA Board Member and Napier City Council Event Manager Kevin Murphy, Ōpōtiki i-SITE Manager Joseph Hayes, Ōpōtiki District Council Experience and Engagement coordinator Iranui Huriwai, and Ōpōtiki i-SITE And Events Officer Gloria Tahere. Photo: Supplied.

Iranui Huriwai, Ōpōtiki District Council’s Experience and Engagement coordinator says it was an honour to be named as a finalist and even more incredible to come away with the top award.

“We were alongside some really amazing events in our category and some big names in New Zealand events. Standing among the finest events in Aotearoa New Zealand, we couldn't be happier to showcase our efforts, our community, and our town through this accolade," says Iranui.

“Since its inception in 2018, the Ōpōtiki Matariki Festival has grown from strength to strength, and we are deeply grateful for this prestigious recognition.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and countless local organisations who came together to create an incredible and outstanding event in 2023."