Back in 2001 Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporation wanted to revive the Matariki tradition by making it a unique Aotearoa celebration that embraced all New Zealanders. More than ten years on, and Matariki now sees thousands celebrating Maori New Year from Wairoa in the north right through to Wairarapa in the south.

Matariki events across Takitimu waka take place over several weeks and are managed by Ngāti Kahungunu Inc in conjunction with local Taiwhenua Committees, and sponsored by the Te Puni Kokiri Takitimu office. Events held in Wairoa, Napier, Hastings, Central Hawkes Bay, Tararua and Wairarapa saw record crowds take part this year – cold, wet weather at Memorial Park in Masterton failed to deter 2,500 festival goers. Further events took place throughout the month of celebrations.

From youngsters to rangatahi, right through to our kaumatua – Matariki is a popular annual event for all the whānau says Takitimu Regional Director, Roger Aranui.

“Working alongside Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc on Matariki events across the rohe has been a hugely successful way to engage with our communities. The events have been as diverse as our communities and have included photographic exhibitions, wānanga, Ki O Rahi competitions, environmental workshops, waiata, visual and performing art, hip hop crews, en masse dance competitions – the list is endless.”

Key to the success of Matariki has been community involvement; with well known performers like RWC 2011 songstress Ria Hall taking to the stage, as well as lesser known local performers.

“Bringing entire communities together, Matariki is now an annual event that our towns and communities throughout the Takitimu region look forward to every year. Seeing all the inspiring aspects of te reo me ngā tikanga Māori is heartening and something we take great pride in being able to tautoko,” says Roger.

Kahungunu promotions manager, Te Rangi Huata says Matariki celebrations give thanks for the food harvest and welcome in a new planting season and they are the best attended winter gatherings in Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa. Every year almost half the population of Wairoa turns out for a festival of traditional Māori sports, kite flying, music and fireworks.