Each year we invite residents and visitors to the district to come together for a community celebration for Puanga – The Māori New Year.
The festivities include a Puanga street flag competition for Taranaki school students with the winning designs made up and flown down Stratford's main street during the celebrations.
Puanga is a time to reflect on the year that’s been and look to the future. As part of our annual celebration we invite people to visit our Puanga rakau (tree) in Prospero Place to participate in a reflections and aspirations activity.
Stratford Library and Visitor Information Centre will also be hosting tamariki from local primary schools throughout the week to learn about Puanga and Matariki through creative storytelling.
Thank you to to Whaakahurangi Marae, Māori Womens Welfare League, Toi Foundation, Taranaki Electricity Trust and Ngāruahine Iwi Health Services for their support with this year’s Puanga celebrations!