Go fly a kite at the festival for Matariki
Katikati kite man John Russell was given a famous Gibson Girl kite on a recent visit to the South Island, and will attempt to fly it at Sunday’s Matariki Kite Festival in Tauranga.
The 75-year-old kite was made at the beginning of World War II and was used by downed airmen to launch an aerial so they could transmit their whereabouts and then be rescued. The kite’s number— M-357— is stamped on it and is a part of radio set SCR-578-B.
The kite is among a range of colourful kites that will create a visual spectacle at the Matariki Kite Day organised by Bernie Johnson at Tauranga’s Fergusson Park. Big show kites through to works of art are being assembled for flying at the event by at least six New Zealand Kite Association members. Mr Russell said the family-focused Kite Day is a great opportunity for families to make or buy kites, then come down to Fergusson Park on Sunday and fly them— or they could just come down to the park to view and experience some of New Zealand’s leading flyers flying their kites.
Among the flyers are Peter Clark, from Auckland, who will be bringing his selection of big show kites, plus his Matariki Birdman Kite, which is based on an early traditional Maori kite.
Perrin Melchior, also from Auckland, will have his stunning selection of tetrahedral and box kites and Ray and Rosemary McCully from Rotorua, will show their Flying Pig and Dragon, among other kites. From Wellington, especially for the event, Stephen Cook will bring his strings of colourful kites as well as other stunners.
Matariki Kite Festival, Sunday, June 4, 12 noon4pm, Fergusson Park at Matua, Tauranga.