Celebrating Matariki with wānanga and haerenga

Marae representatives learn mātauranga Matariki at Pūkawa Marae

Napa Otimi explained that our tūpuna relied on Te Reporepo, a waka whetū (star waka). Te Reporepo has several star clusters, and Matariki is one of them. Preserving and sharing this Tūwharetoa knowledge is an ongoing goal of the Trust Board. The wānanga has been recorded and plans are in place to share this knowledge with our whānau, hapū and marae.

A wānanga celebrating Matariki was held at Pūkawa Marae on June 18. Attendees were selected by our marae, and by kura who are implementing the Tūwharetoa maramataka. The wānanga was delivered by Napa Otimi and focused on the star clusters that guided our tūpuna on when to plant, harvest, rest, and work. He also shared knowledge on the Tūwharetoa maramataka that has been revived by Te Kanawa Pitiroi.

Chris Jolly Outdoors takes Tūwharetoa uri out for Matariki cruise

To celebrate Matariki, TMTB-owned Chris Jolly Outdoors took iwi descendants onto Taupō Moana before sunrise. There was one voyage a day from June 24-26.

They left the Taupō Marina at 5.30 am and returned at approximately 7.30 am each time.

While on the water kōrero on the Matariki star cluster was given by Geoff Rameka. As he gave his kōrero, tamariki were invited to come up with a cell phone torch. As they were lit, each tamaiti represented one of the stars of Matariki.

A kapa haka was on board to entertain while the boat went round the moana.