Te Maori: Matariki ball celebrating the elders

The annual Whakanuia Nga Koeke O Te Arawa is a way of saying thank you to the iwi koeke (elders). Photo/Supplied by the Te Arawa Lakes Trust

The contribution Te Arawa koeke (elders) give will be celebrated this month during the annual Matariki Mid-Winter Glitz and Glam Ball - Whakanuia Nga Koeke O Te Arawa.

The event is the sixth ball aimed at the 70-plus age group to be held at the Blue Baths on June 15. It is organised by Te Arawa Lakes Trust in association with Te Puni Kokiri and other Te Arawa Land Trusts and organisations. The ball coinicides with Matariki, the Maori New Year.

"It's a celebration of koeke of Te Arawa and it's a way of saying thank you for all they've provided," project manager Dell Raerino said.

"This has almost become a Te Arawa institution, I suppose, and koeke really look forward to it each year."

The evening is a chance for the older people to dress up, enjoy a dinner and have an opportunity to dance to music by band Janine Pou and Friends.

"Koeke said what they really love to do is dance so we have a dance floor set up. Some of the band members fit in the koeke bracket so they know the music they like."

Rotorua television host and toastmaster champion Kingi Biddle will be the evening's MC and the ball king and queen will be crowned, chosen by the crowd on the night before they take to the dance floor for the traditional waltz.

Mr Raerino said that in the past, koeke had travelled from as far as Te Puke, Maketu, Matata and the Tuwharetoa region.

"This is part of our culture having respect for our elders and recognising the work they've done for us. They man our paepae and it can be hard work," he said.

"We wanted to offer a good, happy event, often when they gather it is for a tangi, but this is a celebration and is part of what Matariki is about, looking back in the past year and celebrating what we have."

The free evening will be organised by Te Arawa Lakes Trust's Tepora Emery, with more than 200 kaumatua and kuia expected to attend.

Koeke aged 70-plus are asked to register now for their complimentary tickets. Registration may be open to those 65 plus closer to registration close off date and once the 70-plus age group has been catered for. Tickets are available from Monday, June 10.

For registration please contact Te Arawa Lakes Trust on (07) 346 1761, email leilani@tearawa.iwi.nz, or Tepora Emery (07) 346 0908 or 021 215 2174 or email matara.ltd@xtra.co.nz.