Join us to celebrate Puanga, the Māori New Year, with an evening of live music, kai, and family-friendly activities.
We’re proud to partner with Ngāti Hineaute to bring everyone together.
This year’s event will be headline by REI, one of Aotearoa’s most exciting contemporary artists. Known for his energetic live shows, REI has performed at some of New Zealand’s biggest festivals, including WOMAN, Splore and Electric Avenue.
Returning to the Puanga stage is local favourite Forte, with additional performers and entertainment still to be announced.
There will be plenty for tamariki and whānau, including inflatables, a photobooth, and a dedicated kids area hosted in partnership with Te Manawa. Visitors can also browse stalls showcasing local crafts and products and enjoy a range of food vendors serving up delicious kai throughout the event.
This event is free, accessible and family friendly.
Bring your friends and whānau and join us as we welcome the Māori New Year together.
Friday 10 July
The Pit Lane, Arena
3-7pm
Complete the Passport to Play
Families can also take part in the Passport to Play – Puanga Edition.
Discover eight whetū (stars) located around Palmerston North, with the eighth and final stop at the Puanga Festival outside the Council tent.
Pick up a passport from any Palmerston North City Library or complete it digitally using the Manawatū Heritage app.
Complete your passport and you’ll go in the draw to win an awesome Matariki prize pack. There are also hundreds of Lido passes up for grabs, so it’s well worth having a go!
Entries close at 4pm on Wednesday 29 July. Simply return your completed passport to the entry box at the Central Library.
More holiday activities
While you’re celebrating Puanga, don’t forget to check out the Palmerston North City Library’s holiday programme, featuring Puanga-inspired activities including badge making, board games and more.
Event schedule
3:00 PM: Welcome, Speech – Chris Whaiapu, Bonnie Kuru City Councillor – On behalf of the Mayor.
3:15 PM: Kapa Haka 1: Kiki Whenua
3:30 PM: Lights Go Out – Young Band
4:00 PM: Kapa Haka 2: The Whirikoko o Rangitane
4:15 PM: Kalas Matenga-Phillips & Cree Poi
4:30 PM: Forte
5:30 PM: Kapa Haka 3: Te Wharekura o Manawatū
5:45 PM Niusina Pasifika Dance
6:00 PM: Rei
Food Trucks
Treat yourself to a fantastic selection of flavours from around the world with our delicious line-up of food vendors.
- BBQUEEN
- Beyond The Bun
- Black Forest Waffle Hut
- Charlie & Del’s Hakari
- Daisy’s Milk Shack
- Dos Locos Taco
- Fast Fuel Catering
- Feeding Out
- Flame’N’Flavour BBQ
- HOGROAST CLP Catering
- J.W Asian Food
- Kiwi Floss
- Lil Orbits Manawatū
- Mrs Kool Ice Creams
- Scooptruck
- Shorties Kitchen & Coffee Cart
- Super Mum’s Kitchen
- ThaiKai Kitchen
- The Ice Cream Truck & The Slush Cup
- The Real Deal Frybread & Hāngī
- The Slush Truck
- Flaminas Bite
- Toastie Boy
- Mad Dogz
Community Stalls
Meet local community groups, discover their stories, and enjoy a range of unique offerings.
- Ahi Parāoa
- Braai Guy Pies (St Peter’s College)
- Just Zilch
- Kenani Pasifika Delicacies
Retail Stalls
Browse a range of handmade gifts, jewellery, artwork, crafts and unique products from talented local makers.
- Ary Prints
- Boyes Crafts
- Easy Shop NZ
- LADYNGĀPUHI CREATIVE
- Mayflowers & Moonstone
- Moki Jewellery
- Morgans 3D Prints
- Rākau Manea
- Scarlia
- Te Wharekura o Manawatū
- Tiaho H3ights Pounamu
- WB Family Crafts
- Whakapiiwari