A poignant celebration of the Māori New Year will take place in Katikati.
Katch Katikati event manager Kylie Watkins says the Matariki dawn service will be a special opportunity for the community to unite and discover the significance of Matariki.
‘’We wanted to create a magical experience that unifies the community, a chance to come together to share this intimate moment around the importance of the Māori New Year.’’
The community-led dawn service is organised by Te Rereatukahia Marae, Tamawhariua, Katch Katikati, Western Bay Museum, Katikati Community Centre and Project Parore.
The ceremony includes the traditional umu kohukohu whetu which is done on the first day of Matariki celebrations, welcoming the Māori New Year with food offerings to the Matariki star cluster.