Celebrate the Māori New Year at the First-Ever Puanga Matariki Festival! Huaki
In the heart of our community, a landmark event is set to unfold next month, bringing together whānau, friends, and visitors to celebrate the Māori New Year. The Puanga Matariki Festival, organised by the Ngāpuhi Collective, promises a day of cultural richness, entertainment, and community spirit. Scheduled for the 13th of July 2024, from 10am to 4pm, this free event at Memorial Park Kaikohe is an occasion not to be missed.
The Puanga Matariki Festival is more than an event; it’s a celebration of culture, history, and community Expect to enjoy Kapa Haka performances, showcasing the beauty and strength of traditions A highlight of the festival will be the “Puanga’s Got Talent Search,” where local talent will take the stage This is an opportunity for the community to come together, support local performers, and celebrate the skills and creativity of the region
Guest speakers will share kōrero about Puanga and Matariki deepening our understanding of these important times in our calendar. Their insights will enrich ideas of connection, whakapapa, and the world around us. For those keen to learn and engage, wānanga will offer hands-on experiences in various cultural practices. These workshops are designed to be both educational and enjoyable
The festival will host a Carnival Youth Space, fully funded by Ngāpuhi Iwi Social
Services Specially designed to entertain and engage our younger attendees With carnival games and interactive activities, there’s something for everyone This space aims to create a fun and inclusive environment where youth and whānau can enjoy themselves Each activity station will represent one of the Matariki stars, offering extra learning about each star, and their significance to the environment and what they tell us about the year to come
The free kai station will ensure everyone can share a meal together, fostering unity and a shared experience. Additionally there will be a range of prizes and giveaways, generously donated by local businesses, clubs, and both government and non-government organisations, adding excitement to the day’s activities
The Puanga Matariki Festival is made possible through the collaboration of the Ngāpuhi Collective, including Te Kotahitanga e Mahi Kaha Trust, Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services, Te Hau Ora O Ngāpuhi,
Te Rūnanga Ā Iwi O Ngāpuhi, and Te Whare Awhina O Ngāti Tautahi Their combined efforts and shared vision reflect a commitment to the community’s well-being and cultural heritage By bringing people together to celebrate culture and heritage, the Puanga Matariki Festival helps build a stronger, more connected community It provides a positive environment for whānau and mokopuna, fostering a sense of pride and belonging
Join us on Saturday 13th of July at Memorial Park Kaikohe for a day of enjoyment, learning, and whanaungatanga Celebrate the Māori New Year and make lasting memories at the first-ever Puanga Matariki Festival For more information or to register for the talent search, please contact: puangamatariki@gmail com
HanuiLawrence
Bacon and Egg Crumble with Cass Salad
Ingredients
• 2-3 kumara – medium
• 2-3 potato – medium
• 1 red onion
• 500g streaky bacon
• 9 eggs
Crumble:
• 2 cups of self-raising flour
• 100g butter
• Pinch of salt
Cass Salad:
• 1 cabbage – small
• Handfull of silverbeet
• Handful of spinach
• 1/2 sweet apple
• Salt and pepper
• 1cup of grated cheese
Method
Steam kumara and potato, put aside
Saute onions and bacon briefly
Slice potato and kumara layer into bottom of pie tray
Add bacon to the top and spread, then the eggs
Mix flour, butter and salt-work with hands until nice and crumbly bits.
Sprinkle on top of bacon and egg dish and bake until nice and browned
Finely cut the cabbage, spinach and silverbeet together
Finely slice apple (with skin on)
Toss all into a bowl with cheese and season with salt and pepper
Dressing for salad:
• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp vege oil
• 2 Tbsp pineapple juice
Korero with a Cop
My name is Cameron John Pene, and I was born and raised in Waitangi, in the beautiful Bay of Islands (Emily) from Ngapuhi and dad (John) Ngati Kahungunu ki Heretaunga I one sister and two brothers One er and the other two older, which t “middle child syndrome”
autiful wife, Sarah, and three kids, ter Dylan-Rose (10), boy Kaia Steven hn (3)
p between ovinces t a full on and of where nd who I am.
been a art of my p, spending half of n the New occer system oling at mary and nds College resentative er and
During my time in High School I had two dreams, become a professional soccer player and become a Police Officer The inspiration came from a PE teacher named Ruth Hills, or Mumma Ruth, as I call her who always pushed me towards my dreams and goals In 2009, at the age of 19, I attended a Police Recruitment seminar in Whangarei From that day I was sold, I was meant to be in that role As advised by an Officer that day I set off to get some life experience. This life experience didnt come without its challenges, with several hurdles to jump and barriers to climb In September 2022, with a bit of luck, some backing from people who believed in me, and having my ducks in a row with my whanau, I was accepted into the Police Recruitment Process
During the Recruitment Process I found knowing the steps for what was to come a really handy tool This process happens quite quickly, and I advise to have your ducks in a row, meaning if you have a family, prepare them, keep them in the loop Create a routine so you are present during the times you are required to complete Police recruitment process Utilise the Police training days and resources
I attended College in June 2023, and it was a blast! I was 33 at the time so, transitioning back into a school type setting was a
g y , 1000 questions The College environment felt like a safe space which helped a lot Lastly, remember your WHY when times get tough
After graduation we were welcomed back to our district and the fun started A typical day in the life of a Policeman on the frontline is unknown Which is the fun of it
The advice would be to stay on your toes, be open-minded/excited and remember we are here to help our communities
A reality of the job is, we run toward, what people are running away from We see, and experience things not all people get to but, the support and awhi you receive in the Police is second to none
My hopes and aspirations are to continue my Te Reo journey, join the Armed Offender Squad, continue on frontline where I can, continue helping our Māori people and community
“Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship, so keep moving, keep growing, keep learning, see you at work” - Denzel Washington
TAONGA
Join New Zealand Police and help us make a difference
Join New Zealand Police and help us make a difference Northland Recruiter: joseph teao@policegovt nz
Enrol Now to study in Semester 2 2024
Areas that are available for study Semester 2 are:
• Animal Care
• Apiculture | Fencing | Horticulture
• Automotive Engineering | Commercial Transport
• Business | Business Administration
• Carpentry | Construction | Civil Engineering |Plumbing
• Environmental Science | Pest Operations
• Cookery | Food and Beverage | Hospitality
• Creative Writing
• Mechanical Engineering
• Nursing | Social Services
• Sport and Recreation
• Study and Career Preparation
• Toitu Te Reo (Māori language)
• Travel and Tourism
Celebrating Matariki and Empowering Māori Businesses with AI
E mihi ana kia koutou me te mihi o te wā o Matariki.
Matariki is a time to reflect on the loved ones we have lost this year; we pay homage to them through Pōhutukawa while sharing our hopes and aspirations for the coming year with te whetū o Hiwa i te rangi This is a time to be spent with your whānau, to share karakia, reflect, plan, and plant seeds for the future you want so you and your whānau can prosper
From May 20th to the 26th, Techweek in Aotearoa was celebrated During this time, Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau hosted our ‘CHAT AI’ workshop, designed to empower Māori businesses and professionals by exploring artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration into our daily lives, as well as its impact on Te Ao Māori
Kōrero during the workshop was incredibly informative and whakawhanaungatanga flowed effortlessly, allowing participants to share their experiences and ideas in a safe environment
Meg Smith (Ngāpuhi, Tainui), a digital strategist with extensive experience in marketing and advertising technologies, provided valuable information and practical advice enabling those in attendance to adopt AI with greater confidence
Topics covered during the event included the advantages of AI, best pract for beginners, leveraging Chat G for improving business process workflows, and important consi around data sovereignty
For those that were unable to a Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau are host AI event featuring Meg Smith in Friday 19th July, 11am – 1.30p North REAP To register, email taitokerau@whariki co nz
Register your pakihi with Whāri Tai Tokerau, the largest Māori B Network in Aotearoa: www wha
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Master practitioners of Te Whare Tū Taua in the making
Four young ‘toa-in-the-making’ recently achieved their first Taumata, marking a significant milestone on their journey to becoming master practitioners of mau rākau within Ngāpuhi nui tonu.
The four tauira, hailing from Muriwhenua and Kaikohekohe Cortez Kake-Mcgee (10), Te Ohonga Ake Ashby-Thomas (10), Humarie Awarau (10), and Karanga Huia Awarau (11) have been immersed in the kaupapa, some since birth With parents who are also active participants, these tauira have shown their commitment and dedication through attendance at monthly wānanga
Arama Morunga, Taura Pouwhakarae of Te Whare Tū Taua says that the program was designed to engage tamariki in mau taiaha and prepare them for grading to Poutahi at the age of 12
Te Whare Tū Taua, a national Mau Rākau Whare established in 1983 by Ta Pita Sharples, aims to build te reo Māori capacity of future speakers. The grading curriculum offers an established pathway spanning eight levels, from Poutahi to Pouwaru, which tauira work toward over a period of 10 to 12 years, and sometimes longer
Fromleft:HumarieAwarau,KarangaHuiaAwarau,TeOhongaAkeAshby-ThomasandCortezKake-McGee haveachievedtheirfirsttaumatatobecomingmasterpractitionersofmaurākau
with Kōhao being the northernmost ohu in Aotearoa The Ara Poutama kaupapa was established by Kōhao to provide tamariki who attend wānanga with their parents a safe and supported pathway into the kaupapa.
Te Whare Tū Taua has expanded to include ohu (working groups) across New Zealand, Australia, England, Abu Dhabi, and Hawaii,
At this introductory level, Arama says there is no sparring or whawhai aspect
to their training “It’s learning the basic fundamentals which are designed to build their confidence ”
With the first Taumata secured, the four tauira are now diligently training toward their second Taumata, which they aim to achieve by the end of the year.
Oromahoe Farm Trust shares award-winning environmental practices
Last month, Oromahoe Farm Trust hosted the Ballance Farm Environment Awards Winner’s Open Day following its selection as Northland’s Regional Supreme Winner in March.
Farmers, agricultural cadets, and representatives of Northland Regional Council (NRC) were among approximately 100 people who gathered for a tour of the farm to learn about the Trust’s awardwinning environmental practices.
The Trust has around 1,000-hectares near Kerikeri, dedicated mainly to raising bulls, sheep, and forestry, with a focus on environmental sustainability and a commitment to a positive future for tangata whenua.
In partnership with NRC, the Trust has fenced over 10km of waterways, including 33 wetlands. In 2022, 9.8 hectares of waterways and erosion-prone land was retired and planted with 28,077 mānuka. The trust aims to complete fencing the remaining 1.8km of waterways by 2025.
The Trust has also been active in pest control, working with Kiwi Coast to set 99 traps on the farm and check them at least once a month.
Three pou guide the seven trustees who act as kaitiaki of the farm on behalf of its 1,500 beneficial owners: to protect the
T p p g plantingprojects,aswellasNRCfundingopportunities. land; to reconnect the whānau hapū; and to distribute benefits for the wellbeing of its people, who are at the heart of the operation.
The Trust supports Oromahoe Marae with a fund for repairs and maintenance, provides kaumātua and kuia grants to those aged over 60 years, and each year invests 10% of its net profits in education grants.
NRC wishes the Trust all the best as they travel to Hamilton this month to represent Te Taitokerau as the supreme winners from each region compete for the national Gordon Stephenson Trophy, and to become 2024’s National Ambassadors for Sustainable Farming and Growing
Entries for the 2025 Balance Farm Environment Awards are now open. To apply or nominate, visit www.nzfeawards.org.nz
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Predator Free Rākaumangamanga
Regenerating Bush and Planting Waterways: A Path to a Healthier Kaipara:
At our Te Arai native nursery, we understand the profound importance of regenerating bushlands and planting native vegetation along our waterways The Kaipara region, with its stunning landscapes and vital ecosystems, relies heavily on these practices to maintain its natural beauty and ecological health One of the critical environmental challenges we face is sediment transfer into waterways Sediment can cloud water, reduce light penetration, smother aquatic habitats, and transport pollutants By planting native vegetation along watercourses, we create natural buffers that stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and filter out sediments before they enter our waterways This not only preserves the clarity and quality of water but also supports the diverse life forms that depend on these aquatic environments
Native plants are uniquely adapted to our local conditions and play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance
Their deep root systems help bind the soil, reducing the risk of landslides and erosion
Furthermore, these plants provide habitat and food for native wildlife, supporting biodiversity and ecological resilience
Our team is currently knee-deep in the thick of the planting season, with numerous projects underway across the region
We’re actively working on sites in Te Arai, Te Kopuru, and throughout the Kaipara Each planting project is a step towards restoring our natural heritage and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come We invite you to be a part of this vital work Whether you’re looking to enhance your property with native plants, undertake a restoration project, or simply contribute to the health of our environment, we
Bulk Buy Plant Specials
Get ahead on your June planting season at Te Arai Native Nursery by pre-ordering your native plants now! Take advantage of our Early Bird Specials by securing plants from our carefully selected collection, designed to foster a biodiverse, sustainable ecosystem Your plant selections play a crucial role in shaping transformative landscapes Become a steward of nature and reserve your plants today to lead the way in land restoration
KMR supports Matariki planting across the rohe
Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki
Mānawa maiea te ariki o te rangi
Mānawa maiea te Mātahi o te tau
Progress in Kaipara Moana Remediation continues to ramp up as the winter solstice draws near
KMR Pou Tātaki Justine Daw says more than 1 7 million plants largely native grasses and trees have been planted or are contracted to go in the ground this winter
“As we head into Matariki, KMR’s focus is once again on winter planting and how to support our many landowners and groups taking action across the Kaipara Moana catchment,” says Justine
Planting trees on the whenua embodies the principles that guide Matariki –remembering those who have passed since the last rising of Matariki, celebrating the present with family, friends and workmates, and looking to the future trees are a lasting legacy on the landscape
“Many of KMR’s Whenua Whānui Fund projects align to this year’s Matariki heri kai our planting projects help nurture the natural world where many whānau and community source food, including forests (relevant to theTupuārangi star), fresh water (Waitī) and the ocean (Waitā)
We offer:
MarcusPowell,Co-FounderofWithINNATURE,isdoingthe mahitoleavethewhenuahealthierforfuturegenerations
“Some of our whānau- and hapū-led projects also incorporate māra kai, relevant to Tupuānuku and this years focus on feasting on fresh, locally sourced produce This connection reaffirms relationships with our environment and signifies the importance of food in the celebration of Matariki”
It was back in October 2020 that the Ministry for the Environment, Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti
Whātua, Te Uri o Hau, Northland Regional Council and Auckland Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly establish KMR, a decade-long programme to protect and restore the mauri of the Kaipara Moana
For more information visit www kmr org, email hono@kmr.org.nz.
KMR supports groups to protect and restore the Kaipara Moana Kaipara Moana Remediation’s Whenua Whānui Fund supports groups to participate in projects that protect the Kaipara Moana.
Our projects support people, places, and nature KMR invests in projects to restore wetlands, fence off rivers and streams, plant trees and regenerate forest on erosion-prone land
Our projects:
• Help valued species to thrive
• Restore mahinga kai
• Diversify on-farm income Help meet environmental standards
• Increase resilience to storms and extreme weather
“Whakakahangia Te Wairua” was just the right theme to focus on resilience and to celebrate Puanga-Matariki 2024 at the Hihiaua Cultural Centre from the rising of Puanga early in June What a month it has been since the opening of the exhibition of artworks honouring community resilience, strength, and vibrancy and reflecting the enduring spirit and strength needed in today’s changing world
Like the rising of Puanga and Matariki, the major highlight of the season took place before dawn on Saturday June 15 when a16 metre waka taua silently left Hihiaua for its new home with Ngati Whatua ki Orakei Tohunga tarai waka Heemi Eruera towed the magnificent waka out of the waka shelter where it had been carved over the previous few months The project began with a gigantic 40,000 year old swamp kauri log dropped off a truck last summer Since then Heemi and the carvers of Hihiaua have created a beautiful masterpiece to be paddled on the Waitemata after being launched from Okahu Bay on June 23
Scores of the community enjoyed wānanga, workshops and glimpses of the processes behind making toi Maori
Thanks to generous support of both Te Puni Kokiri and the Whangarei District Council we were able to deliver all these events. Many other organisations also chose the Hiihiaua Cultural Centre as the venue for their Puanga-Matariki events again this year
Those lost over the past year have been honoured and remembered, gratitude for the bounties we share has been expressed and plans for the future have been madewhich is exactly as it should be
Many of our local kaitoi travelled to Hawaii for Festpac - the Festival of Pacific Artsto experience the weaving of the Pacific nations together
as one whana - through the arts Their soc media posts have kept us closely linked to all the joy o reunion, the vibrancy and colour through waka arrivals, haka and hula from the beaches, parks, shopping malls and halls of Oahu We eagerly await for their stories to be shared over the coming weeks Puanga - Matariki is now firmly embedded in our culture and calendars Once again, our tamariki know what it is and what it means As our babies learn to talk, they can recite the names of the stars and what they signify They can look to the sky and point to their place Our schools are often leading the way One example is Whangarei Intermediate who invited whanau to share in performances by kapa haka, dance and music groups Huge amounts of talent and hard work by tutors and the tamariki themselves go into creating the magic that is music and such confidence What begins in such humble ways here in our neighbourhoods can lead us to the World and to change the world No better example than famous singer-songwriter Troy Kingi who set the night alight with his surprise performance No fanfare no tickets, just a natural response to a request from his sister and Mum who are both in leadership roles at the school Only in Tai Tokerau, eh. Manawatia a Matariki! Whakakahangia te Wairua!
The Whenua Whānui Fund is open to all groups including iwi/hapū, marae, landcare groups, catchment groups, kaitiaki, schools and trusts administering land with multple ownership
– Free advice – we walk the whenua with you to discuss your aspirations and project options
– Funding – KMR pays up to 70% of the cost of eligible sediment reduction projects
– This includes assistance with the costs of engagement and project management
– Planning and support – our Field Advisors prepare a plan to access KMR funding and provide support through the project
Alongside farmers taking action with KMR support, more than 100 schools, hapū, marae, catchment groups and community groups are involved, with 66 groups leading KMR projects or in discussion about future projects
If you are thinking about planting near waterways or on erodible hillsides this winter, get in touch with KMR as soon as possible
Thetaurapaonthemagnificentnew WakaTauaatHihiaua
#timo
1 (verb) (-hia,-tia) to peck (as a bird),
Moerewa's very own ECAL (Erima Davis) has released his new single 'Soul Food' in celebration of Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa 2024 Born and bred in Moerewa, ECAL's song highlights the importance of whānau and community with a music video paying homage to the thriving northern town Since its inception in 2000, NZ Music Month is now an annual promotion run by the NZ Music Commission taking place each May with a core focus on celebrating local artists and their craft
MotukioreartistMere Taylor-Tuilomahonouredat Kaikohegallery
In an intimate gathering the 'Too Ūkaipō' exhibition, at Te Pu O Te Wheke Art Gallery was opened with heart warming tributes, kāranga and waiata to remember the late Mere Taylor-Tuiloma She was a composer, talented singer, multi-disciplinary creative artist, a staunch supporter of kaupapa Māori, a fierce leader to our rangatahi, and avid outrigger kaihoe She also managed international Māori Music, Whānau Healing Va'a Outrigger and Healers delegations ‘Too Ūkaipō - Your Returning’ exhibition will feature at Te Pu O Te Wheke Art Gallery until May 22
nationwideactivationday
A second Toitū Te Tiriti nationwide activation day has been called for Thursday 30th May The call-to-action will coincide with the release of the governments 2024 budget, and to protest plans to axe section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act Last December, over 400 Māori and Tangata Tīriti marched in Whangārei to protest Government attacks on Māori initiatives, health, wellbeing and the status of Te Tiriti o Waitangi Attendees are being advised to gather at the Laurie Hall carpark before 9am Full schedule information is available via Toitū te Tiriti
Te Kura Reo Rua o Motatau Taikirau Waibots team have jetted off to America for the international SeaPerch Competition, at Maryland University in Washington DC (May 30th to June 1st) Tasks will be given to each team, designed to showcase their engineering excellence The 4-man Taikirau Waibots team, their whānau and Te Kura Reo Rua o Motatau, say tremendous support for a Givealittle page raised most of the $60,000 funding this incredible experience for the future engineers
Te Rarawa has a new taonga pātaka called Te Oha (treasured bequest) to protect and safeguard iwi collections for future generations For months, Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa has been digitizing iwi collections, including historical records, written and oral histories, contemporary artworks, photographs, audio, video recordings, and taonga tūturu of the iwi
An official launch of Te Oha will be held at the beginning of Matariki, on Thursday 27 June at Te Ahu, Kaitāia
An iwi media collaboration with funding by Summit
of the rubbish dumped is recyclable, which is free to deliver to a transfer station Te Hiku Forest owners Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kuri, Ngāi Takoto and Te Rarawa, are asking for more respect for Papatūanuku
The countdown is on as Tai Tokerau dancers prepare to compete at the highly coveted Hip Hop International World Championships in Phoenix, Arizona, this August Whangārei-based studio, Hardcore Dance Company secured two qualifying spots in the Junior and Megacrew divisions at the Tāmaki Makaurau regionals in early April Meanwhile Ngāti Hine uri Myke Davis-Hoeft also secured a spot at the 2v2 Worlds Battles, after taking out the Auckland tournament alongside tag-team partner Koh Yamada Team New Zealand's 2024 delegation will join 55+ other countries at the dance competition opening ceremony on August 3rd
The Whangārei Gospel Choir are preparing for their June 30th show as part of the Puanga Matariki Festival hosted by Whangārei contemporary arts space, ONEONESIX Lee Morunga, choir director and bilingual composer, is a veteran within the performing arts scene with over 20 years of industry credentials under her belt She established the choir this year in an effort to "provide a safe whānau space, where people could try something a bit different", after seeing a need for more creative spaces in Te Tai Tokerau Tickets for the festival are available on eventfinda
Following its official opening in April, Kaikohe's newest multi-sport complex Papa Hawaiki has become a bustling communal hub for weekly sports gatherings and soon to be large-scale community events following the announcement of regional Kapa Haka and Ngā Manu Kōrero organisers confirming dates for both major events at Papa Hawaiki
Matariki Pēwhairangi Festival
• Matariki Pēwhairangi Festival 2024 to deliver over 20 events and feasts
• The hugely popular Manu Masters returns to Russell
• Pay what you can afford’ and see KŌPŪ at the Turner Centre
Matariki Pēwhairangi Festival will be presenting experiences and feasts all over the Bay of Islands this June and July, the programme started on Friday 21 June, the Winter Solstice, and continues until 14 July
In addition to previously announced events, the festival has added some new offerings and is bringing back a firm whānau
favourite The Manu Masters! If you ever wanted to showcase your manu skills, this is your chance. The event takes place at Russell (Kororareka) Wharf on Sat 29 June, 10am onwards and will feature a double platform this year so jumpers can choose to level up! There will be lots of prizes up for grabs for those braving the cold winter water Registration to jump is essential and open now at matarikinz com
Russell Mini Tours have added an experience Discover the Children of Matariki. These 1hr tours will be available every Sunday from 30 June – 21 July, and will take you on a journey around Kororareka’s historical locations, learning about the stars of Matariki as you go There is also a bonus treasure hunt to find Matariki’s fallen children around town, you can pick up an entry form from the Russell
Mini Tours Bus at the wharf and prizes will be awarded weekly
Many of the workshops have now sold out or have limited availability, new venues, special events and feasts have been added Activities mainly take place over the Matariki long weekend or July School Holidays, a perfect time to take a trip up North with friends and whānau
The festival has been developed in collaboration with local iwi, business and community partnerships with funding support from MBIE (Regional Events Fund) Northland Inc, Far North District Council, Creative Communities Far North and Pub Charity Together we will acknowledge this uniquely Aotearoa celebration Te Tai Tokerau style, showcasing the best the region has to offer
For more detailed information on events and how to buy tickets visit matarikinz com For more Matariki long weekend inspo visit northlandnz com
When:
Now on until Sunday 14 July
Where:
Bay of Islands – Kororareka, Waitangi, Paihia, Kerikeri, Kaikohe and the surrounding areas www.matarikinz.com
Ticketing via Eventfinda: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/ tours-festivals/2024/matarikipewhairangi-festival-2024
Matariki Commemoration at Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are hosting a programme of events including a Free Open Day this Sunday 30 June, to commemorate Matariki. Visiting Waitangi provides the perfect opportunity to embrace the principles of Matariki: reflection, celebration and preparation during the Māori New Year.
Celebrating the theme for 2024, Matariki Heri Kai (The feast of Matariki), this year’s events include two Hāngī and a Movie evenings on 9 and 11 July
The programme also contains a Bone Carving Workshop (6 July) and Pounamu Toki Workshop (sold out), and a Matariki Rapuhia / Seek ‘n’ Find for tamariki for the duration of the school holidays (28 June - 21 July)
Last year more than 1300 people took the opportunity to visit on the Free Open Day to spend time in our museums, enjoy a guided tour and cultural performance, visit the latest exhibition and enjoy kai and a drink at the Whare Waka Café
Our current exhibition ‘The Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award Exhibition’, displays the 43 finalists of the Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award, a biennial national competition where emerging Māori artists create portraits of their tūpuna (ancestors)
CEO of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Ben Dalton, said “Matariki is a time when Aotearoa comes together to celebrate and give thanks
At Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a place of cultural, spiritual, and historical significance, we gather to reflect on our shared journey, particularly Te Tiriti o Waitangi This special occasion is a great opportunity to get together with friends and whānau at the Grounds over the long weekend to both reflect and prepare for the year ahead”
The events at Waitangi are part of a wider programme of events Matariki Pēwhairangi Festival 2024
For more information about events at Waitangi Treaty Grounds visit: https://www waitangi org nz/events/ matariki-2024
For more information about the other Matariki Pēwhairangi Festival 2024 events visit: https://matarikinz com/
Nau Mai Haere Mai - Northland and the Bay of Islands Rolls Out Welcome Mat with Free Waitangi Treaty Grounds admission
To celebrate the reopening of the main SH1 north, Waitangi Treaty Grounds are rolling out the welcome mat with free admission to the grounds in partnership with Northland Inc
Waitangi Treaty Grounds is throwing open its doors with a free open day on Sunday 30 June, especially for Matariki weekend, followed by free entry for all New Zealanders during the first week of the school holidays (Saturday 6 July – Sunday 14 July)
SH1 over the Brynderwyn Hills officially reopens at 11:59pm on Wednesday 26 June after being closed for upgrades since February this year
“We thank NZTA for their work and are excited to now be celebrating the reopening and want to encourage New Zealanders to visit our unique part of the motu. There’s never been a better time to visit Taitokerau Northland and we are thrilled to be partnering with the iconic Waitangi Treaty Grounds to encourage Kiwis to head north this long weekend or during the school holiday break,” Tania Burt, Head of Destination &
Communications for Northland Inc, says
Waitangi Treaty Grounds Chief Executive Ben Dalton said, “It’s been tough having the main road to the region closed for so long It’s aƯected our visitation numbers and disrupted our industry and region still recovering from events such as Covid lockdowns and Cyclone Gabrielle
“Matariki is a perfect time to visit the birthplace of our nation as it holds significant cultural and spiritual importance to Māori, and to all New Zealanders It offers an opportunity for reflection, celebration and connection – I couldn’t think of a better time or place to be than the Treaty Grounds ”
All New Zealanders will get free admission during the promotional period, with ID Admission incudes access to two museums, the historic site and buildings, a Māori cultural experience and guided tour.
For more information on where to go and where to stay, play and dine in the Bay of Islands and Northland, check out Northland Inc’s website
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