Keeping the Matariki party going
Matariki As part of Wellington City Council’s jam-packed Matariki events calendar, a celebration focused on fire will make its debut this week.
The Ahi Ka¯ event, which translates as ‘‘burning fires’’, will feature some of New Zealand’s finest Ma¯ori performers and storytellers.
It’s the second major councilled event held in support of Ma¯ ori New Year, which Wellington deputy mayor Jill Day said helped keep the Matariki momentum going.
‘‘It’s about creating a concept that this is a festival that goes on for more than just one event,’’ she said.
Day is pleased to see the city and its residents embracing not only Matariki but the Ma¯ori language as well.
‘‘It’s been an amazing few weeks, just seeing a transformation in the city and the way people are getting amongst it all has been really exciting. Being able to have events which celebrate our Ma¯ ori culture is really important and we haven’t embraced that as much as I think we can in our community.’’
One of the expected highlights of the evening is a light parade featuring creative talent from local schools.
‘‘Having children involved brings the wha¯nau aspect in,’’ Day said. ‘‘Families can come along and see their children participating and performing and it helps children bring a context to their learning around Matariki.’’
One child participating is Uta Te Whanga Whetuariki Johanson Ripia-McGregor, 10, from Porirua who is performing with his band Wai.
‘‘I play a Spanish drum called the cajon . . . it’s pretty cool and our band is pretty awesome.’’
There will also be a hangi, toasted marshmallows, fire on the water, and a midwinter bonfire, adding some much-needed warmth to the Wellington winter.
‘‘It’s the time of the year where people are starting to feel a bit cold and dreary so it’s lovely to have an event to bring people together and liven up the city,’’ Day said.
* Ahi Ka¯ , Odlin’s Plaza, June 29; 6pm. Postponement date, June 30. Check out Wellington City Council’s Facebook page for event updates.
If case you were wandering
Our masthead – loosely translated as ‘‘the report of the head of the fis’’ (based on the legend of Maui fishing up the North Island) – is to celebrate Matariki, which runs till July 7, and to mark the launch of Wellington City Council’s te reo Maori policy.
‘‘Having children involved really brings the wha¯nau aspect in.’’ Jill Day