Kāwhia Community Celebrates Matariki with a Spectacular Event

by Kelly Isherwood

Kāwhia, 14th July 2023 - The vibrant Kāwhia community came together on Friday, 14th July 2023, at the Kāwhia Community Hall to celebrate Matariki. This significant event was organized by a dedicated group of women from Waipapa Marae Ngāti Hikairo, with support from neighbouring marae in Kāwhia Moana. Despite the unpredictable weather, the celebration proceeded with great enthusiasm, showcasing the beauty and creativity of Matariki.

People from diverse backgrounds and cultures gathered to experience the magic of Matariki and its cultural significance. Matariki, known as the Māori New Year, commences with the reappearance each year of the Matariki cluster of stars in the night sky.

The rise of Matariki encourages reflection on the past, celebration of the present, and planning for the future.

For local Māori, Matariki holds deep meaning in memory of loved ones who passed symbolizing remembrance, joy, and peace, and serves as an occasion for our marae to come together with our local community to unite and celebrate Matariki.

Matariki Night Market, an event highlight, featured a wide range of local stallholders showcasing their talents and products. Visitors were treated to captivating displays of photography on canvas, homemade preserves, delightful baked goods, Rongoa Māori medicine, exquisite Tā Moko designs, Bric-a-Brac items, honey, and much more.

The event kicked off at 3 PM with a karakia led by Kaumātua Miki Apiti of Ngāti Hikairo and Ngāti Te Wehi, followed by a karanga performed by the talented Karen Bishop of Ngāti Hikairo and Ngāti Māhanga. Attendees were entertained by various performances, including the enchanting melodies of the Kāwhia Ukelele roopu, the powerhouse duo Rāwiri Bishop and his wahine ataahua from  the Hokianga in Te Taitokerau, and the gifted Aereira Walker Tuwharetoa of Waikato, who graced the stage with karaoke waiata.

Local entertainer Ginny Taylor of Ngāti Mahuta and Te Atiawa, accompanied by Matua Junior Eketone as the Karaoke DJ endorsed the vibrant atmosphere. The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, who cherished the opportunity to support, connect, and celebrate as a whānau, community, and culture.

Matariki revolves around three main principles: remembrance, gathering together with whānau and friends, and looking toward the future with anticipation for the promise of a new year.

The event organizers extend their heartfelt gratitude to the trustees of Waipapa Marae for the opportunity to unite and come together as a community.  "He aha te mea nui o te Ao? He Tangata, He Tangata, He Tangata" - What is important in the world? The People, The People, The People!

Here are a few short videos from the night