Takemeto...

It’s an auspicious point in the calender — we are midway through the year. So Tamaki Makaurau hapu Ngati Whatua Orakei is inviting Aucklanders to join them on their whenua at Te Toangaroa to mark the end of Matariki and the start of a new year. The hapu will be hosting festivities and will include kai trucks, weaving workshops, kapa haka performances and activities. Matariki @ Te Toangaroa concludes daylong celebrations to mark the end of Matariki, which begin with a dawn karakia at Takaparawhau in Orakei. Chairman of the Ngati Whatua Orakei Trust, Marama Royal, says this an opportunity for Tamaki

Makaurau to reflect on the challenges of the last year, in particular the last six months, and to look toward the future. “We, our whanau and local businesses have collectively endured a trying past five months but Matariki brings a new year and an opportunity to create and build upon new aronga, new focuses and outlooks. It’s a time to come together to reflect, refocus, plan and look ahead to the future,” says Marama.

Matariki @ Te Toangaroa Event Information; July 15, 11am-2pm, 13-19 Mahuhu Crescent, Auckland.