INMOTION MATARIKI

The lights, the colours, the movement — it looks like cycling into a brilliant, albeit surreal dream, but it’s real and you, too, can ride along.

Two years ago, inclusive arts organisation Touch Compass created an illuminated evening parade to celebrate Matariki. Due to demand, the free and fully accessible Inmotion Matariki returns for this year’s new winter festival Elemental AKL and Auckland Council’s own Matariki celebrations.

It’s an all-wheels event, where you’re encouraged to bring your bike, scooter, wheelchair, skateboard, unicycle or power chair — decorated, of course — and wind your way through Wynyard Quarter. Don’t have wheels? That’s okay, you’re welcome to walk.

En route from Silo Park’s Gantry, you’ll pass an outdoor gallery of digital, animated and illuminated art, inclusive dance and music performances by the likes of Jolt Dance and Touch Compass’ hip-hop crew Integr8 Dance Crew, as well as community arts collaborations. It culminates in Ika, an aerial performance choreographed by Rodney Bell and Chloe Loftus.

The Inmotion Matariki parade starts at 6pm but you’re encouraged to be there by 5.30pm.