Celebrations taking place for Matariki in Wānaka tomorrow (Friday June 27) will include kapa haka, hangi, storytelling of local Māori history and legends, light displays and more.

Matariki signifies the Māori New Year, and its name is taken from the cluster of stars which rises in midwinter.

“What it is for us is honouring the past and celebrating the future - that’s the way Māori recognise it,” Paul Tamati told the Wānaka App.

Paul has been involved with the local Matariki celebration organised by Kahu Youth since the first event in 2010.

Paul Tamati has been involved with the local Matariki event since it began in 2010. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Former Kahu Youth manager Richard Elvey approached the Māori community asking for their help setting up a public Matariki event in Wānaka and “it was successful right from the very start,” Paul said.

Over the years it has grown significantly, with around 2,000 people attending last year.

Initially the hangi was the drawcard for people who didn’t understand the meaning of Matariki, Paul said.

Now the annual event includes a range of performances from local tamariki, multiple opportunities to learn about Māori culture and history, and serves as an opportunity to get the community together. 

On the day Paul serves as the MC and the day before he works with volunteers, sharing his knowledge and teaching people the art and craft of hangi making.

“I couldn’t do this without the support of uncle Dave Perry and his whānau, my wife Robyn Tamati and her team, and the support from volunteers and businesses,” Paul said.

Over the years the event has grown to share Māori culture and history in various ways, through kapa haka, storytelling, fire dances and more. PHOTO: Deanna Gerlach

Kahu Youth operations director Anna Sutherland said some of the factors in the enduring success of the local Matariki event was the focus on keeping it community based, on telling local Māori stories and highlighting what makes Wānaka unique and special.

“It’s a really special time,” she said.

Head along to the Dinosaur Park tomorrow between 2pm and 6pm to take part in this year’s Wānaka Matariki celebrations.

A pre-dawn Haupatu ceremony in celebration of Matariki will also take place at Treble Cone tomorrow morning, involving remembrance of those who have passed, followed by cooking of kai connected to stars in the Matariki clusters.

The Kāi Tahu and Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou hosted hautapu will be broadcast nationwide through Whakaata Māori, TVNZ, TV3, Sky Open and streamed on the Matariki.com website.

See also: Profile: Paul Tamati - volunteer extraordinaire.