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- By Tyra Harrison, AUT student majoring in journalism
Howick Village came alive with a colourful cultural celebration for this year’s Matariki Festival, staged to mark the Māori New Year.
It was organised by Te Tuhi and Ō Wairoa Marae in the Tainui Garden of Memories and staged at the marae and Uxbridge Arts and Culture.
The festival, on June 14, was officially launched with a public ceremony at 10am, marking the start of a day filled with cultural activities and performances.
From craft workshops and games to delicious kai, performances, and music, there was something for everyone throughout the day.
It’s an event full of creativity, discovery, and connection for the local community and whānau.
Visitors of all ages were invited to take part in a wide range of workshops and demonstrations, offering hands-on experiences in traditional Māori practices.
They included tītī tōrea (short stick games), mau rākau (weaponry), raranga (weaving), poi making, and he ara uku (clay work).
The interactive sessions offered a unique opportunity for whānau and manuhiri to connect with te ao Māori in a fun, engaging way.
Inside the Uxbridge Theatre, the spotlight turned to the stage with a vibrant mix of cultural performances, including elegant routines by Korean dancers and powerful kapa haka presentations from schools including Wakaaranga Primary, Somerville Intermediate, Macleans Primary, Buckland Beach Intermediate, and Pakuranga College, drawing a large audience and enthusiastic applause.
The International Women’s Association added a global flavour to the day, hosting a colourful array of international activities.
Guests enjoyed origami, bean bag games, lantern making, and a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, along with fried noodle tastings and a multilingual “language corner” that encouraged cross-cultural exchange.
No one left hungry, thanks to an all-day barbeque offering a free sausage sizzle and a hearty vegan hot pot, perfect for refueling between performances.
The Matariki Festival at Ō Wairoa Marae offered a joyful celebration of community, culture, and connection, honouring the Māori New Year through shared experiences and storytelling.
Te Tuhi community programme manager Ashley Grogan says: “We were so pleased with the turnout and the strong sense of community throughout the day.
“A highlight was seeing tamariki engage with the art and stories of Matariki.
“We hope everyone left feeling connected and inspired.”
- To see more photos from the Matariki Festival click here.
