Whanganui's new year celebrated with fire and karakia

People who passed away in the last year are remembered in a fireside ritual. Photo / Laurel Stowell

Prayers for the new year that started on Mt Ruapehu on Monday were carried down the Whanganui River to Putiki on Wednesday where the annual Puanga Awa Karakia took place on a cloudy and drizzly dawn at Putiki Slipway.

People in coats and under umbrellas grouped at the riverside for karakia. As those took place a waka containing fire came slowly down the river, and the fire was carried up the slipway.

It was impossible to see the star Puanga (Rigel) that morning - it signals a new year for Whanganui Māori.

Instead the group gathered around the fire, heard about the season and remembered those who had died during the past year. Names given included Ramari Ranginui, Karen Siale Ellett and James Butler.

Geoff Hipango, Tamahau Rowe and John Maihi led proceedings. The group was then welcomed to Putiki Marae.

Guests were offered many breakfast options at Putiki Marae. Photo / Laurel Stowell

Everyone sat down in the wharepuni, and Whanganui Land Settlement Negotiation Trust chairman Ken Mair talked of the importance of the settlement still to come.

Then it was into the marae dining room for a performance by pupils of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi. It was followed by a large breakfast.

After breakfast Nicole Dryden talked about the other events to come in the Puanga Festival. They include talks, stories, craft making and a final feast of traditional Māori kai.