Matariki brings community together in Waihī Beach

Brighton Reserve on Thursday morning. Photos / Shaq Coulter, RE:Shoot

A beautiful beach bonfire and dawn service was held at Waihī Beach on Thursday to celebrate and sight the Matariki cluster.

More than 200 people were there for the 14th dawn viewing at Brighton Reserve to see the Matariki star cluster, to hear of its significance and listen to a presentation from Waihī Beach School students.

Principal Rachael Coll says the children did a great job of presenting information about each star.

“We are incredibly blessed to be part of a community who are always open to learning and sharing of indigenous knowledge,” she says.

Kararaina Sydney and Garston Smith from Te Whānau a Tauwhao did the karakia and callout.

A community breakfast was enjoyed by all after the ceremony.

The dawn ceremony ended in a shared community breakfast of soup and fried bread.