Along with wānanga and waiata, people will have a chance to get their hands in the soil too at this year's Parihaka Puanga Kai Rau Festival. (File Photo)A three-day event heralding the beginning of the Māori New Year in Taranaki will take place next month. From June 7-9, the Parihaka Puanga Kai Rau Festival will be held at the South Taranaki settlement which has become synonymous with the ideals of peace and passive resistance. Organiser Maata Wharehoka said the arrival of Puanga in the night sky marks the beginning of a new year for Taranaki Māori. STUFF The lighting of the fire marks the beginning of the three day festival which celebrates the beginning of the Māori New Year in Taranaki.

Source: Stuff May 20, 2019 00:11 UTC