Waimate District educational organisations, from early childcare centres to the local high school, all took part in this year’s Matariki celebrations in June.

Last year, when we organised this festival, we were overwhelmed by the response. Over 500 people turned up to support our tamariki and rangatahi and watch them perform kapa haka. So this year, we moved to a bigger venue, and were hosted by Waimate High School.

On 28 June, the Waimate community was welcomed to the venue by Upoko Rūnanga Tewera King, in a mihi whakatau. He then took up the microphone and introduced the youngest kapa haka performers. All the rōpū performed with passion and it was heart-warming to see the excellent performances by our tamariki.

Our lunchtime kai was donated by local businesses, community groups, both local freezing works and local farmers. Everyone in the community who was approached generously donated food for the occasion – everyone offered something to this kaupapa within our rohe.

The food was prepared and cooked by a team from Waihao Marae, led by Graeme Lane and Lynn Davis. The event went along way to help foster and enhance community relationships. It just goes to show what can be achieved with a multi-kai cooker. The food was delicious.

The event was made more enjoyable with the attendance of Anne Te Maiharoa-Dodds (Aunty Cis) and Suzy Waaka, who can always can be relied upon to support kaupapa Māori in our rohe. Ka nui aku mihi ki a kōrua.

We were also inspired by some truly incredible static art displays made by our tamariki on a Matariki theme.

The afternoon finished with the singing of two communal waiata that all the groups performing had been taught. The first, Kāi Tahu written by Hone Kairimu on his first visit to Waihao Marae, and Mahinga Kai written by Kelly Davis.

It was a wonderful day and a great display of community effort. Funding has already been sourced for next year’s festival, and the community has pledged to work together again for a third time. Congratulations to all involved.

Matariki kai time!

Matariki kai time!

From left, Peter Hamilton, Steve Boyd, Graeme Lane.

From left, Peter Hamilton, Steve Boyd, Graeme Lane.