Celebrate New Zealand's first Matariki public holiday in three delicious ways.
Umu Kohukohu Whetū
All are welcome to this Umu Kohukohu Whetū, the preparation of the hāngī before sunrise on the first day of Matariki celebrations. Families are welcome to attend this traditional ceremony, which begins at 5am with an explanation of the ceremony – during which kai will be prepared as an offering to the stars, giving thanks for the bounty of the past year, as the Matariki star cluster appears in the morning sky. June 21, 5am at Ōrakei Marae, 51b Kitemoana St, Ōrakei,
![Smoke and dust fly as food is being prepared for a hangi. Photo / 123rf](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/GMWO6MPR3MBHZUI44FTGAUGB3Y.jpg?auth=34ef5d7229f72c9db58f1be2144eca31854dc3e7520eaa3109ef02dc6e95a773&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)