Matariki is a time to reflect, connect and plan for the year ahead. Across Tairāwhiti, communities are coming together to mark the Māori New Year in ways that are meaningful to them.
This year, Trust Tairāwhiti is proud to support community-led Matariki events in Matakāoa, Tolaga Bay and Tiniroto.
Te Huinga Matariki ki Matakāoa | Friday, 20 June
Manaaki Matakāoa Trust are hosting Te Huinga Matariki ki Matakāoa, bringing the Matakāoa community together to honour the Māori New Year. It will begin with a karakia, a hautapu and a barbecue breakfast at the Manaaki Matakāoa Trust offices, followed by a market day at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kawakawa Mai Tawhiti. The market day will feature crafts, merchandise, music, kai and giveaways, workshops in poi making, tukutuku panels, and wai rākau taste testing. A hākari will mark the end of the day with one free hangi and pudding pack available for whānau to take home.
Karakia and hautapu
Location: Manaaki Matakāoa Trust office, 27 Pakiakanui Road
Time: 5am – 6am
Market day
Location: TKKM o Kawakawa Mai Tāwhiti
Time: 10am – 2pm
Workshops and activities
Location: TKKM o Kawakawa Mai Tawhiti
Time: 11am – 1pm
Hākari
Location: TKKM o Kawakawa Mai Tawhiti
Time: 2pm
Uawa nui a Ruamatua | Friday, 20 June
Te Aitanga a Hauiti Centre of Excellence is hosting their third annual Matariki celebration in the heart of Uawa, Uawa nui a Ruamatua. The event will begin with a hautapu at 5.30am for whānau to gather at the Uawa Surf Club, share stories, karakia and waiata, reflect on the past year, and send wishes for the year to come. A community market day on Cook Street will follow, featuring kai stalls, entertainment and plenty of spot prizes for all the whānau to enjoy.
Whāngai te hautapu ceremony
Location: Uawa Surf Club
Time: 5.30am
Market day
Location: Cook Street, Tolaga Bay
Time: 8am
Tiniroto School | Thursday, 26 June
Tiniroto School are bringing together their kura whānau, local farming community and wider Tiniroto hapori to celebrate Matariki. The evening will feature kapa haka, te reo, ngā toi, workshops and student learning that has taken place over the term.
Location: Tiniroto School
Time: 4pm – 8pm