Well what a fantastic week that was. I am very proud of my whānau, hapū and iwi for all their efforts in offering the best Matatini to our manuhiri we could possibly provide.
From all of our organisers for the pōhiri/event Liz Kereru, Puamiria Parata-Goodall, Tāua Aroha Reriti-Crofts, Dad Te Maire Tau, our stunning tāua and pōua who are always the supreme representation of kahukura at every hui, kai gatherers, māra kai producers Pani and Tosh Ruwhiu, Hillary Te Aika and Norm Dewes, the 400 volunteers, the cooks at Matatini, stall holders (Ōtautahi MWWL branch, ACC & Huikai).
Thank you also to those who generously offered blankets for Manutaki to use during their stay at the pā, and those who stayed back from Matatini to cater at Tuahiwi Marae for our manuhiri especially the Manihera whānau, Aunty Tweety Gallagher, Uncle Rakihia Tau and Uncle Maru Tau and Rex Anglem who worked tirelessly each day at Tuahiwi Marae hosting Te Rōpū Manutaki, making sure everyone felt comfortable and at home during their stay, our amazing rūnanga and marae trustees.
Thank you, all for contributing to a wonderful week of Matatini and helping to create everlasting memories for us all. Also to my mama, Amiria Reriti, who without her support everything would have been a giant shemozzle, love you all. Nā Reriti Tau.
Amiria Reriti with fellow hosts of Te Matatini.
From left, Amiria Reriti, Reriti Tau, Aroha Reriti-Crofts and Jack Crofts before the pōwhiri.
Tia Reriti and Lani Parata working together at the food tent.
Tim Reriti and colleagues together at the ACC stall.