Around 60 people braved the early morning chill at the hautapu, including tamariki from the kura as well as the Tararua Mayor Tracey Collis, Councillors and Council staff. After the ceremonies finished everyone was invited to share breakfast. This is part of Matariki as well, sharing food and building relationships. It’s also a time to discuss and plan for the year ahead.
The hautapu was only one of our Matariki celebrations in Tamaki nui-ā-Rua. On Tuesday the popular whiuwhiu pātai or quiz night returned for another year, held at the Merrylees Hotel. That was followed on Wednesday with a time for our kaumātua at a luncheon at Mākirkiri marae ‘Matariki Haukai Kaumātua’. And on Friday there was a Pō Makete or Night Market in Rangitāne Square, High St, Dannevirke.
At Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre – Mount Bruce we celebrated one year since the opening of the new wharenui and education complex Te Whare Wānanga Taiao o Manukura with a charity auction dinner to raise money for the reserve and the grand opening of a Whare Toi, an arts and weaving studio on site.
Now that Te Mātahi o te Tau, the Māori New Year has come and gone it’s a time to slow down, reflect and then begin to plan for the year ahead.
Mānawatia a Matariki (to honour, acknowledge and welcome in Matariki).