Manu Aute Kite Day is developed and hosted by Matariki Festival partner Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. This spectacular one-day event honours and celebrates the tradition of kite flying. Traditionally, manu aute (kites made from the aute plant), manu tukutuku (kites with long tails) and manu taratahi (kites with a single plume) were used to send messages to the heavens and between hapū (tribes). Communities are invited to watch and fly kites, and participate in other programmed activities. Kites of all shapes and sizes will be seen filling the skies!