Families are getting amongst it with professional kite fliers from Auckland, Raglan, Rotorua and Waihi Beach for the Matariki Kite Day at Fergusson Park.

Around 30 kites are flying high for the celebration of Matariki.

Heath Potton, 11, launching his kite

Matariki themed kites.

Tauranga Library Maori services librarian Bernie Johnson says the day has been awesome.

'We have just had the wind change. This morning it was pretty flat. But straight after lunch they have been able to put more than one kite up.

'What's been great too is that lots of families have brought along with own kites and have joined in the festivities. That was really the aim of it.”

Bernie says it's all about getting everyone involved.

'Traditionally, Maori saw kites as a connecter between the land and the skies. And, so, when Matariki came during that time it was really a celebration of the past and looking towards the futures,” explains Bernie.

Traditionally, the kites were flown on the first day of Matarirki, this year the start of Matariki came on June 18.

'We are flying the kites at the end of Matariki.”

Bernie feels that they can build on this event for next year and make it bigger.

'We were looking at adding bouncy castles and making it a whole day out for families. Certainly something I will try and build on for next year.”

Ashvin Shingleton-Smith, 7.

Valeria, 8, and Gabriela, 5, Gomez with their kite.