Katikati Celebrates Matariki with Marae Event and Dawn Service

Katikati's Matariki celebrations are bringing the whole community together across two events on June 19 and 20. On Thursday evening, Te Rereatukahia Marae on Rereatukahia Pa Road is hosting a 'Reading of the Stars' gathering from 5pm, where Ngairo Eruera and Haimona Brown will guide attendees through the significance of the Pleiades star cluster. A star map will be laid out on the ground for reference, and activities for tamariki are also planned.

For the first time, the event is being held at its natural home in Katikati — the marae itself. Marae chairman Hone Winder-Murray said having the marae as a visible and heard platform is empowering for the community, and he hopes those who have never visited a marae before will take the opportunity to do so.

The following morning at 5.30am, the third Katikati Matariki Dawn Service will take place at Te Whareorahi Reserve at the end of Park Road. Attendees are invited to huddle around burning braziers and watch as Matariki rises just above the north-eastern horizon. The service will include karakia, cultural explanations, hot chocolate, kai, and a recognition of Katikati's Ulster heritage, with the Irish Ambassador to New Zealand, Jane Connelly, expected to attend. A free park-and-ride service will run from Katikati Primary School to the Park Road reserve from 5am onwards.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).