Traditionally, Matariki has been celebrated at Waikawa Marae with a quiz night for adults and a school visit at the marae for tamariki.

 This year Maraka Consultancy under the umbrella of Waikawa Marae trustees has volunteered to lead the Matariki celebrations. The primary focus for the event is to share knowledge and learning, showcase our local talent and inspire whānau. Our children and their creative talents will drive the art exhibition, our chefs will fill our bellies, our rangatahi will link stories of the past through the upcycle fashion show and our pakeke/kaumātua will feel proud to see succession in progress.

 We are extremely humbled by the amount of help received to date. The following people are proud supporters:

 Project Admin

Rachael Hāte, Teresa Thomas Ivamy, Natalie Timms (Finance), Allanah Burgess, Kirsty Burgess, Leilani Matekohi, Duncan Mckenzie, Ben Allot, Joe Bleakley, Marlborough Light and Sound, REAP Marlborough.

 Kai Coordinators

Rikihana Lutherus, Tania Meechang, William Gould and hospitality students from Queen Charlotte College.

 Kai Haka (Entertainers)

Taylor Burgess, Sonaia Beard, Heylie Rimene, Rihari Ohia, Sharlene Maniapoto, Caroline Tipene.

 Fashion Show Coordinators & Models

Ruby Thomas, Fleur Hebberd, Louise Love, Aariria Hāte, Miley Jones, Ava Squire.

 Ngā Ra Hou Kai mahi

Ngaro Aldridge, Bev Maata Hart, Rima Riwaka, Kirsty Burgess, Rachael Hāte, Glenice Paine,

Sharlene Maniapoto, Rihari Ohia.

 Ngā Ra Hou will be a Matariki focused event for primary school aged children. The primary purpose is to engage and immerse our tamariki in matauranga, whanaungatanga and marautanga in activities based on the marae.

 Pōwhiri will begin at 10.30am on Thursday 4th July 2019. We will then have kapu tii and return to the wharenui for a story-telling activity. Afterward the children will split into 4 groups. Each group will participate in each of the following activities:

·         Abstract/Cubism Art with Kirsty Burgess

·         Weaving with Nanny Ngaro, Whaea Bev and Whaea Rima

·         Planting with Whaea Glenice and Whaea Rachael

·         Waiata with Whaea Sharlene

The day will conclude with poroporoaki at 2.00pm.

 Ngā Hua o Te Tau Ihu is a Matariki inspired event that incorporates artwork, music, a fashion show, quiz, and Maori inspired kai. The primary event's goals are:

·         Showcase local capability

·         Strategically uphold the mana of the Marae and people

·         Create future opportunities for the Marae and kaimahi

·         Inspire others to share their extraordinary talents, stories, and experiences

·         Build a Legacy for our community

Guests will arrive at 6pm and gather in the carpet end of Whakakotahi (Waikawa Marae Wharekai). Here they will be given a taste of local Artwork supplied by the tamariki that attended Ngā Ra Hou. The Matariki quiz will also feature during this part of the evening. Once all guests have arrived, the haukainga will perform the formal process of mihi whakatau followed by ngāhau from Waikawa Kapa Haka group as the guests enter the dining area of Whakakotahi.  The Master of Ceremonies will lead the guests on a Matariki journey which interprets the nine stars through song, stories, dance, dinner, and drama.