Matariki celebrations are in full swing in Tauranga Moana, including at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology.
The celebrations included a group of 15 students from Te Wharekura O Mauao who gave a moving kaha haka performance along with songs, poi and taiaha on the steps of Pomare Marae on Wednesday.
Among the large crowd were more than 50 children from the institute's kohanga reo and nearby Giggles childcare centre who clearly enjoyed the chance to share the experience of celebrating Matariki, or the Maori New Year.
Matariki events are held to celebrate the start of the new season and new beginnings.
At the end of the Te Wharekura O Mauao's performance, 65 of Toi Ohomai's Certificate of Fitness and Bachelor of Sports degree students responded with a fierce haka.