The warm summer months proved the perfect backdrop to a series of great events celebrating iwi, hapū and whānau pride in the Whanganui rohe.

“It has been a real privilege for our team to be at these awesome events and lend practical, if not financial, support. These initiatives have been driven and realised by the community and all are a reflection of the pride and vision of iwi, hapū, whānau and individuals of this region,” says Sam Bishara, Whanganui Regional Director.

The inaugural Matahiwi Hunting and Food Festival was a chance to get whānau hunting and learning about traditional kai together. Twelve teams of four hunters participated in the hunt, bringing home fallow deer and a 54 kilo-gram boar. Pāua, kina, and other kaimoana including traditionally dried shark was also on offer.

Filmed by Hunting Aotearoa, with Matua Parkinson as MC, the festival attracted celebrities Shane Cameron, Brendon Pongia and Neil Waka who all participated in the hunt. Originally conceived to raise funds to restore the marae and build a new ablutions block, the festival proved to be so popular the hapū plans to hold it again next year.

Around 300 Ngāti Apa Ngā Waiariki iwi members gathered at Whangaehu School for their first iwi festival.

The event was designed to highlight the importance of maintaining strong relationships with each other and the land. The entire festival was smoke-free to fit with the iwi long term strategy of becoming a smoke-free iwi by 2025.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of Te Aroha o Titokowaru ki tōna Hapū o Ngāti Manuhiakai which is situated between Hawera and Manaia in southern Taranaki and so-named to acknowledge the Taranaki rangatira Riwha Titokowaru.

The occasion was marked by a special celebration which was an opportunity to remember those who had passed, reconnect with whānau, meet new faces and enjoy sharing stories and photos of the marae. A commemorative book recording the history of the marae was produced for the anniversary.

Whānau from all over Aotearoa, and even some from as far away as Australia, gathered at Waverly Domain for three days of Te Toi Ahurea 2013: Ngā Rauru Kītahi Celebrations. The kaupapa of Te Toi Ahurea is to celebrate Ngā Rauru through whanaungatanga, cultural activities and sports.

“Registrations far exceeded our expectations with 650 uri participating throughout the weekend,” said Kaiwhakahaere Esther Tinirau. “It was a great opportunity for us to celebrate our hapū and enjoy being together. The success of the event is a reflection of the commitment and effort by all the volunteers and co-ordinators.”

A full programme of activity included the Toi Ahurea dinner and talk by Toiora Hawira who recounted his travels on Te Waka Aurere to Tahiti. Following a kapa haka competition, everyone participated in a less formal kapa haka jam on the sports field before the weekend wrapped up with a Nanny Parade, Gangnam Style and Harlem Shake kanikani, prizegiving and a hāngi.