Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura celebrated Matariki in full force this year.
Friday kicked off with various kura around the rohe performing kapa haka at Takahanga Marae with an outstanding attendance of around 800 people.
Organisers, Robyn McConchie and Rawiri Manawatu were pleased with the stunning performances from all the kura. To have our community come together to celebrate Matariki with our tamariki was heart felt throughout our community.
Takahanga Marae was buzzing with the sound of tamariki on-stage performing kapa haka. Our Māori wardens attended all of the events and we are very thankful for the precious time they and all our valued rūnanga volunteers and supporters dedicated to the kaupapa.
Saturday began with the Matariki markets and the vibe was humming down there. The smell of the hāngi drifted throughout the Kaikōura car park and the entertainment and stalls catered to the needs of everyone. Te Ahi Wairua o Kaikōura did a fantastic job coordinating the markets. There was lots of kōrero, kai and fun.
To end our celebration we had our Matariki Fashion Show, which was funded by the Ngāi Tahu Fund. The kaupapa of the show was to celebrate Matariki through art and design. In total there were 27 entries – ranging from our little pēpi (babies) through to our tamariki, rangatahi and adults.
Out of the three categories, the most popular was our traditional section with 21 entries. It was amazing to see the art work created and then paraded on stage from all of our entries.
One of our judges, Janice Dreaver said, “The show had an incredible energy all of its own. Fashion is an art and this was so evident within the children taking to the cat walk proudly displaying their costumes, fairy wings and smiles. They loved their special dress up night. The night itself was a celebration enthusing a whole new level of passion within both culture and design from all the models who took to the cat walk. If this is a taste of a first, then the Matariki Fashion Show is poised to become a catalyst for creativity in the future.”
Our guest Māori designers were Dawn Hart from Blenheim and Stormy Kara from Palmerston North. Their work, along with garments from the Jenson whānau, who are well known for their creativity in the Kaikōura Trash Fashion Show, were paraded in between the categories. Our men, Adan Te Huia, Rangi Clayton and Luke Tuffery were show-stoppers as they rocked out in the wearable arts garments.
Our pēpi wore Dawn Hart’s collection and took to the stage with confidence and mana like up-and coming models.
As usual Tahu FM MC’s, Sheree Waitoa and Rocky Roberts kept our manuhiri entertained throughout the evening, along with a waiata from Te Ao Te Huia and a hip hop performance from Kaiapoi-based group, Funkdified.
Supreme overall winner was our very own Karen Starkey who received the Whale Watch prize and tickets for two to the Wearable Arts Show in Wellington, plus accommodation. Well done Karen.
Runner-up Lois Vallance from Blings & Things who won the korowai, which was made and donated by Jackie Wadsworth.
Third place getter was Soraya Jones who won the trophy made by designer Stormy Kara.
All of the designs and models were winners and to see it all showcased was a magical experience. We intend to make this an ongoing event for our Kaikōura community, along with our other Matariki celebrations.
Thanks to: The Ngāi Tahu Fund, Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura, Whale Watch Kaikōura – supreme prize, Stormy Kara – carving prize, Jackie Wadsworth – korowai prize, Kaikōura High School – gym, Shayne Kavanagh – photos, Sharon Hillier – painting, Angela Timms – painting (judges gift), Kiri Williams – salon pack (judges gift), Jaegan and Marea – model coordinators, Jasmine and Kaia Solomon – makeup, Kiri Williams – hair, Brett Cowan, Kaikōura Māori Wardens, the fantastic models, volunteers, whānau, our Kaikōura community, and everyone who made it possible. Tu meke. Tēnei te mihi nui kia koutou.
Ps: Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura would like to specially thank Amelia for all her hard work and efforts. Despite having a very capable and able team of helpers, supporters and volunteers, she singlehandedly drove this kaupapa and was rewarded with a successful and fantastic evening enjoyed by all – well done Meilz xx.
Members of the audience enjoying one of the kapa haka performances. Photo by Andrew Spencer.
The matariki activities attracted a big crowd to Takahanga Marae. Photo courtesy of Andrew Spencer.
Befitting for Matariki, the students who performed were all stars. Photo courtesy of Andrew Spencer.
The three finalists and their models and garments. Photo courtesy of Shayne Kavanagh.
Natasja Hill doing her thing on the catwalk. Photo courtesy of Shayne Kavanagh.
Courtney Pattison-Hall. Photo courtesy of Shayne Kavanagh.
Adan Te Huia, wearing one of the wearable arts garments. Photo courtesy of Shayne Kavanagh.