Hundreds of people gathered before dawn at Kawa Marae on Friday morning for a moving Matariki hautapu ceremony, with clear skies providing ideal conditions to view the Matariki cluster as the island marked the Māori New Year.
The pre-dawn event began at about 5.00am around a roaring fire where organizers pointed out the constellation on the skyline using a laser and passed binoculars through the crowd.
The hautapu ceremony honoured those who had died during the past year, with the names of the deceased spoken before visitors were welcomed onto the marae for karakia, waiata and breakfast in the wharekai.
Attendee Jess said the morning had become one of the island’s standout annual events.
“It was great. All ages. There was a real mix… people from Tryphena came up and they called on people from different parts to come and waiata.”
Jess said the marae also shared updates on community initiatives including tourism projects, a holiday programme and support for the Aotea Family Support Group.
“It gets bigger and better every year.” She added.
Attendee Sue Whaanga shared the deep personal significance of the early morning gathering on the beach. “Well it was a beautiful, emotional, gathering. Because you farewell everyone that’s died over the year, and my husband died just recently, so I was able to send him up to the stars. The pohutukawa star, and it was just beautifully done, tasteful, humble. Amazing.”
She estimated between 150 and 200 people attended, with everyone staying to share breakfast.
Visitor Glenn Edney described the conditions as ideal and said the event made a lasting impression.
“So, it was remarkable. The weather was perfect. There was just such a clear view of Matariki, and it was just so perfectly framed over the hillside with the Marae just below it. Just stunning.”
He said the ceremony created a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
“It was so beautiful, and also, it was so welcoming to all of the other people that turned up. So, people that are part of the wider community, as well as visitors, like myself, and it was just fantastic.”
Edney said the celebrations saw huge turnout.
“Gee whiz. Well, the wharekai was packed and they had tables all outside. Man, the kai was awesome. Everybody was in great spirits.”
Friday’s dawn gathering formed part of a packed Matariki weekend programme on Aotea. Celebrations continue with a community dinner at Orama on Friday evening, followed by the Aotea Pig Hunt prizegiving at Port Fitzroy on Saturday.
