Celebrating Matariki ki Te Awamutu, from left, Zacchaeus Te Uri Karaka, Shane Te Ruki, Barney Manaia, Waipā Mayor Jim Mylchreest and his wife Robyn. Photo / Jade Hohaia
Celebrating Matariki ki Te Awamutu, from left, Zacchaeus Te Uri Karaka, Shane Te Ruki, Barney Manaia, Waipā Mayor Jim Mylchreest and his wife Robyn. Photo / Jade Hohaia
On Saturday Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Apakura hosted their first ever Matariki event - Matariki ki Te Awamutu - as a part of the nation's first recognition of Matariki as a public holiday.
Held on site at Te Awamutu's wharekura, the day was a huge success and widely attended.
Waipā Mayor Jim Mylchreest and his wife Robyn were guests for the celebration event, hosted by chairman Bill Harris, trustees and whānau of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Apakura.
Chairman of Rananga o Ngāti Apakura, Bill Harris, helping prepare 250 hāngī. Photo / Jade Hohaia
MC and stage manager Zacchaeus Te Uri Karaka shared: "Once upon a time Ngāti Apakura at Rangiaowhia was known as the 'fruit bowl' of New Zealand, growing and supplying kai to many cities here and abroad, so it was a significant day for our people to once again feed the community as we had once done, it was a big day for us as Ngāti Apakura."
Reverent Paa Cruz, Nanny Hazel Wander and mokopuna of Ngāti Apakura. Photo / Jade Hohaia
Nicole Coromandel and her whānau. Photo / Jade Hohaia
The day included Matariki conversations with Māori astronomer Piripi Lambert, Matariki story-boarding, the giving back of taonga, which was a beautiful part of the day, and entertainment.
The Rewha whānau and friends. Photo / Jade Hohaia
The day was a celebration of tamariki and rangatahi also with many local artists and musicians showcasing their talent.
Local Hip-Hop talent 87One on stage. Photo / Jade Hohaia
Acts on the stage included flamenco guitarist Noel Kaa-Reid and Extreme Hip-Hop with Brooke Snowden. Brooke and her Extreme Hip Hop Crew run classes out of Reach Church in Te Awamutu.
Teachers from Te Wharekura o Nga Purapura o Te Aroha - Whaea Fran, Matua Haami and Matua Zac. Photo / Jade Hohaia
