Stunning fleet of 550 drones to light up Rotorua sky for Matariki

A fleet of 550 drones is set to soar over Lake Rotorua this week, creating a massive aerial display to tell the story of Matariki. Running from 9 July to 11 July, the show will use state-of-the-art technology to illuminate the night sky with formations that represent the stars of the Pleiades and their connection to the environment. Cian Elyse White, the artistic director of the Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival, told RNZ’s Culture 101 that the performance is grounded in a script that explores each star’s purpose. Formations will include symbols like the kūmara, representing Tupuānuku—the star governing food grown below the soil—and Tupuārangi, which oversees food found above the ground. White noted that while the drones are the tools, it is the artists who imbue the show with mātauranga Matariki. To enhance the experience, a soundscape developed by Parachute Studios in Auckland will accompany the visual display. White described the use of putātara and deep vibrations intended to be felt through the whenua. The goal is for the audience to connect with the rongo, or sound vibrations, in a kinesthetic way that reflects traditional Māori learning. This year’s event carries the theme 'Matariki Herenga Waka,' or 'Matariki is a mooring place for all canoes,' signifying a time for all people to come together. The drone show coincides with local night markets, creating what White described as a positive environment of kotahitanga. Last year’s event drew 36,000 people, and organizers expect a similarly electric atmosphere as families gather to reflect on the past year and look forward to the future. Each official performance is scheduled to begin at 8pm over the lakefront.