“Matariki stars shine in Central Hawke’s Bay”

Wednesday, 3 June 2015, 2:59 pm
Press Release: Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc

“Matariki stars shine in Central Hawke’s Bay”

There will be a few extra stars shining bright for Matariki celebrations in the coming week in Tamatea - Central Hawke’s Bay as festivities get underway.

After the success of the Tamatea Matariki celebrations at Te Aute College last year, Matariki has returned to Te Aute College, which sits at the northern post of the Tamatea Taiwhenua. “Matariki is about new beginnings, looking back to move forward and nurturing young leadership in our community, which is one of the reasons we have stayed at Te Aute College this year – to honour a tradition of leadership and to celebrate Matariki amidst the fantastic setting and ambience that Te Whare o Rangi and the marae at Te Aute College provides”, said Zac. “Many of our great leaders studied at Te Aute and Matariki is a great time for us to continue this tradition.”

Te Hamua Nikora, the former host of Hōmai Te Pakipaki is one of the star acts for the night. He will emcee the event alongside some of our own rangatahi as well as provide on-going entertainment in the style that is unique to Te Hamua as well as provide waiata entertainment too.

Other performers include internationally renowned performing artist Toni Huata, Rezpect Dance Academy, The Terrace Primary School, Central Hawke’s Bay College Kapa Haka and hosts for the evening Te Aute College.

There will be a free community bus that will leave at 4.30pm from A.W. Parsons Stadium carpark, Waipukurau with a quick pick up in Waipawa at the bus stop at 4.45pm. The bus will return home by 8.30 - 8.45pm.

The free community celebrations will take place outdoors and organisers encourage everyone to dress warm. There will be a variety of hot foods, hot coffee and drinks on sale as well as the fun photo booth and novelty stalls. Celebrations will end with a spectacular fireworks show to music at 8pm. Stalls open at 5pm and ample off road parking is available in the school grounds where our local Tamatea Māori Wardens will be to guide and direct traffic and parking.

Matariki is supported by Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea and is funded by Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated and Te Puni Kōkiri – Ministry of Māori Development.

Tamatea Matariki - Central Hawke’s Bay, 5pm to 8pm Friday June 12th, Te Aute College, SH2, Pukehou.

About Matariki

Matariki (Pleiades) is a group of seven stars that appear on the eastern horizon in the pre-dawn sky from late May to late July each year. The first sign of the new moon heralds the arrival of Matariki and signals a time of thanksgiving to welcome the New Year planting season with feasting, fun and festivity.

About Ngāti Kahungunu

Ngāti Kahungunu has the third largest iwi population. The 2013 NZ Census and Local Government statistics show that 61,626 people or 9.2 percent of the Maori population belong to Ngāti Kahungunu.

Geographically, Ngāti Kahungunu has the second largest tribal rohe in the country, from the Wharerata ranges in the Wairoa District extending to Cape Palliser in South Wairarapa. The coastal boundaries are Paritu in the North to Turakirae in the South.

About Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea

Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea is a significant place in the cultural and historical heritage of Ngāti Kahungunu. Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea continually aspires to hold major activities to promote and inspire marae / hapū participation and ongoing opportunities for whanaungatanga. The Taiwhenua works on community engagement, building whānau relationships and instilling pride.

ENDS

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