To celebrate the rise of Matariki, local groups, schools and iwi across Tairāwhiti are bringing their communities together to celebrate the Māori New Year. Trust Tairāwhiti has approved $52,963 to support these initiatives that embody the core principles of Matariki: reflecting on the past, celebrating the present and planning for the year ahead.
Hautapu ceremonies are a common feature throughout this year’s Matariki festivities. Kai offerings sourced from the taiao (environment), often including kūmara, fish, muttonbird and eel, are cooked over an open flame. The rising smoke serves as a symbolic gesture of nourishing the stars with a sacred offering. During the ceremony, karakia, waiata and stories are shared to reflect on the past year and send wishes for the year to come.
Tāmanuhiri Community Night and Matariki Event
Hinenui Whānui Charitable Trust and Te Kura o te Muriwai will hold a Matariki event to unite the Muriwai community and celebrate the significance of Matariki to Ngāi Tāmanuhiri. Expect an evening of fun at Muriwai school with bouncy castles, traditional Māori games and activities, followed by a dinner at Te Muriwai Marae featuring kapa haka and Matariki kōrero. The event will close with a hautapu ceremony to honour each Matariki star.
Community gala
Date: 26 June 2024
Location: Te Kura o te Muriwai
Time: 2pm-6pm
Whāngai i te hautapu
Date: 27 June 2024
Location: Te Muriwai Marae hangi pit
Time: 6am-6.30am
Tātaitia Rā – Matariki Festival 2024
The Tātaitia Rā Matariki Festival invites the Uawa and broader Tairāwhiti communities to participate in a three-part Matariki celebration. The event begins with a hautapu ceremony and breakfast at Tatarahake Beach and ends with the main festival at Te Rawheoro Marae. The main festival will feature weaving expos, live performances by Tomorrow People and Corrella, activities and stalls. This is an alcohol, drug and smoke-free event.
Date: 28 June 2024
Location: Tatarahake Beach and Te Rawheoro Marae, Uawa
Time: 6am – 3pm
Tiniroto Matariki Evening
Tiniroto School will host the community's second-ever Matariki event. Through kapa haka performances, te reo, ngatoi and hakinakina, the Tiniroto community will celebrate the cultural significance of Matariki. This event aims to strengthen the bonds between treaty partners in the local farming community and the wider Tiniroto School community.
Date: 27 June 2024
Location: Tiniroto School
Time: 4:30pm – 8pm
Matariki in the Valley
Te Uranga o te Rā Sports & Recreation Club is hosting Matariki in the Valley, a community event dedicated to celebrating Matariki "the Waiapu way". Enjoy stories from local kai growers and hunter-gatherers, tamariki artwork, waiata and a complimentary hangi. The event will be captured in a bilingual video, showcasing traditional Māori New Year celebrations unique to the Waiapu region.
Date: 4 July 2024
Location: Rahui Marae, Tikitiki
Time: Doors open at 5pm