The Paeroa War Memorial Hall was alive with music, whānau and people from throughout Hauraki who showed up in droves to celebrate Matariki on June 26.
The inaugural Matariki ki Hauraki event put on by Nga Iwi FM not only celebrated the Māori New Year, but also served as an opportunity to “teach people about Matariki within our space”, Nga Iwi FM general Manager Hara Karu said.
Across the hall people spent time in different spaces from stalls for mosaics, face painting and jewellery making to the community information areas, the rongoā Māori [Māori medicine] space and the kono raranga [basket weaving] area with kaumātua [elders] and more.
The day hummed along with music by Rangi Leggan, kī-o-rahi games hosted by Ngā Wai Tāpara a Rangatahi, and a special kapa haka performance from Paeroa Central School.
Reporter DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA was there to join the festivities.
