Matariki - it's a time of celebration and coming together.
The community of Tauranga will be treated to a wide range of Matariki events to celebrate the Māori New Year.
The event is being run by Te Puni i Rangiriri Trust to try an educate people about the importance of Matariki.
Chairman of Te Puna i Rangiriri, Awanuiarangi Black says, "It's about making Matariki tangible within this region."
Early this morning people celebrated the rising of Matariki on top of Mauao while at the base of the mountain people were learning how to read the stars and their meaning.
Te Puna i Rangiriri's Awhina August said, "Children and Tauranga Moana as a whole are able to see and learn about all things Matariki, from traditions instruments and navigation."
This event is also being held to engage the local youth.
Te Rangituatakaa Hika from Te Wharekura o Mauao explains, "This is a Māori event, to celebrate Māori dom, to bring us together as one."
Piatarihi Goldsmith from Te Wharekura o Mauao said, "We should never forget about the Māori year because is something big for all of us."
Black added that, "This event needs to be embleded with in our youth because there is going to come a time when they will have to carry this."
This event runs until tomorrow but throughout the month people can also attend the art exhibition Uku Rere and Taonga Pūoro workshops being held at the Papamoa Library.