College hosts Matariki festival

Mahurangi College is preparing to welcome hundreds of students, families and community members for a vibrant celebration of Matariki on Thursday July 2.

The annual festival, which has traditionally been hosted by Orewa or Whangaparāoa Colleges, will be held at Mahurangi for the first time this year.

Organisers say the move reflects the spirit of inclusion at the heart of Matariki and will give the wider Mahurangi community the opportunity to experience the event’s rich cultural performances and festive atmosphere.

The celebration will start with a pōwhiri in the College Hall at midday, followed by a programme of kapa haka and Pasifika performances. Food stalls and fundraising activities will run throughout the day.

Several hundred students from four schools, including Warkworth Primary School, are expected to attend.

Deputy principal Liana Schischka said Mahurangi College was honoured to host the festival.

This year’s Matariki theme, Matariki Herenga Waka, emphasises unity, inclusion and bringing people together.

“The theme is all about encouraging everyone to celebrate Matariki together,” Schischka said. “Changing the venue this year is a great way to welcome different communities and ensure more people can be part of the celebration.”

Matariki marks the Māori New Year and is a time for reflection, remembrance and looking ahead. The event’s whakataukī, ‘Ka mahuta a Matariki i te pae, ka mahuta ō tâtou tūmanako kite tau’ (When Matariki rises above the horizon, our aspirations rise to the year ahead), reflects those values.

The festival is open to the public. While parking at the college will be limited, additional parking will be available at Hope Church, with shuttle services operating throughout the day.

Organisers are encouraging families and community members to come along and celebrate Matariki through community, culture and connection.