Matariki moments shared by community

In pre-dawn darkness, Hibiscus Coast residents gathered at Ōrewa Surf Life Saving Club on Friday, June 20 for the Matariki Ahunga Nui blessing from Te Herenga Waka o Ōrewa Marae.

Intermittent showers didn’t damp spirits, and the stars were still there behind the clouds. Against a backdrop of waves gently rolling onto the beach to the waita (song) and karakia (prayer), the community came together to reflect on the coming year, remembering those who were special to them, and connecting with each other.

The ceremony was led by Haimona Koziarski while marae kaiwhakahaere Kereama Nathan and Dr Pouroto Ngaropo also shared blessings and karakia. Nine kaikarakia (people who recite karakia) from the marae community shared a karakia in te reo Māori and in English for each of the nine stars of Matariki, and Te Herenga Waka o Ōrewa Kapa Waiata (singing group) provided waiata.  

Committee member and event organiser Pip Speedy, said they were deeply moved by the incredible community spirit shown at this year’s gathering. 

“Despite the rain, around 500 people came together in the dark and cold to honour Matariki, remember those who have passed, and welcome the Māori New Year as a united community.

“This ceremony began in 2022, on the very first Matariki public holiday, as a way for our Hibiscus Coast community to reconnect after the isolation of the Covid lockdowns. It’s grown each year into something really special; a time to reflect, remember, learn, and come together.

“Thank you to everyone who braved the weather and helped create such a warm, powerful space of aroha, mātauranga, and kotahitanga. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa; our community is amazing.”

Kelly Paddison of Hatfields Beach has attended all the ceremonies and says they just keep getting better. 

“It brings you together and it’s something heartfelt to be among people you don’t know and focus your thoughts on your loved ones and speak their names,”she says. 

This year her mother Sandra Shipworth from Browns Bay attended for the first time as did Kelly’s sister and children, who come down from Warkworth. 

“It is beautiful to have the community come together. We have had a few people pass recently and it was an opportunity for us to send them on their way,” Sandra said.

“It was lovely to hear te reo, and people from all over Auckland come together, taking photos with their whanau and standing together on the beach.

Following the ceremony, the marae held a special breakfast and presentation at the surf club supported by funding from Te Puni Kōkiri. Dr Ngaropo, a senior cultural expert and historian of Mātauranga Māori shared his knowledge of Tetahi a Pipiri (the Māori New Year) and the connection of the Matariki star cluster to Ōrewa, the Auckland region, and the community. 

Tamara Grant from XABilities also launched her new book The Urban Wayfinder at the event.