30 May 2013

Waikato District Matariki Festival Begins on Saturday

The inaugural Waikato district Matariki Festival will begin on Saturday, with the blessing and unveiling of the Taawhiao’s Mask sculpture in Ngaruawahia.

The festival is being supported by the Waikato District Council, Waikato-Tainui and the Office of the Maaori King.

The public is invited to the ceremony to unveil and bless Taawhaio’s Mask will take place at 7am on 1 June at the Octagon in Ngaruawahia. Waikato District Mayor Allan Sanson, Kiingi Tuheitia and Tom Roa, Chair of the Waikato-Tainui tribal executive will lead the unveiling ceremony.

“We’re delighted to celebrate Matariki together with our partners and our communities,” Mayor Sanson said.

“We have a great range of events happening across the district during June and July, so there are plenty of opportunities for the community to celebrate Matariki,” Mayor Sanson said.

For Maaori, the appearance of the constellation known as Matariki in the sky marked the start of a new year. Matariki usually appeared at the time of harvest, which was a time for sharing and celebration.

Community-based events to celebrate Matariki are happening in Ngaruawahia, Tamahere, Raglan and Huntly/Te Kauwhata.
For a flier with the full list of Matariki Events visit www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz

About Taawhiao’s Mask
This sculpture is a representation of the ta moko (facial tattoos) of the first two Maaori kings – Pootatau Te Wherowhero (1858-1860) and his son Taawhiao (1860-1894). ‘The Kings’ Mask’ pays tribute to these great leaders who, in times of strife and land confiscations, urged peaceful co-existence between Maaori and Paakeha.
It was designed by Kiingi Tuheitia’s tohunga whakairo (expert artisans)
Inia Te Wiata and Wikuki Kingi Jr.

ENDS

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