PUANGA HISTORY

Our history

In 2006, prior to the closing of the Whanganui Iwi exhibition ‘Te Awa Tupua’ at Te Papa Tongarewa , the formal group WIECOC (Whanganui Iwi Exhibition Commercial Opportunities Committee) which consisted of members from Whanganui Iwi, Wanganui District Council (WDC), Horizons Regional Council, Whanganui River Maori Trust Board, Whanganui Māori Regional Tourism Organisation (WMRTO) and the Whanganui Arts Culture and Heritage Development Trust discussed the future and the developments that had been gained from this exhibition.  

The decision that was agreed upon by all members was to develop and implement Puanga/ Matariki festival within the Whanganui region as an annual event for the communities.  The group also appointed Niko Tangaroa from Whanganui Maori Regional Tourism Organisation and Sally Patrick from Wanganui District Council to establish the first Puanga/Matariki festival in 2007.