Kites

The simple pastime of flying kites has an important role in many cultures across the world — and is great fun. This page lists kite events and kite resources at your library.

Māori used kites, Te Manu Tukutuku, for recreation and communication. Kites were often seen as connectors of the heavens and the earth.

Kite Day at New Brighton

Every year during Summertimes, Kite Day takes place on New Brighton beach, south of the pier. This year it takes place from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday 28 January 2012.

Kite boarding

Kite boarding is an exciting sport which uses the combination of kites and boards like skateboards to surf across the water at speed and perform exciting tricks. Down at Ferrymead, kite boarders regularly make a colourful show above the waters of the estuary.

Online resources

• Kites and manu tukutuku - Te Ara The Encyclopedia of New Zealand article information on kites from Te Papa
• Peter Lynn — Canterbury kite designer
• Canterbury Windsports Association
• The Kite Shop — Christchurch-based kite business
• Jim’s Kites - local kite enthusiast who flys on New Brighton beach regularly. Lots of useful information on getting started.

In the library catalogue

• Kites
• Kite construction
• Kites — pictorial works
• Kites — Japan
• Kite boarding