Matariki Dawn Hīkoi Brings Whānau Together in Taupō

Taupō-nui-a-Tia at First Light

Before the first hint of dawn, whānau assembled quietly along the lakeside. Steam rose from the waters of
Taupō-nui-a-Tia as tamariki huddled under blankets and rangatahi guided kaumātua into place.

Our hīkoi began with the sound of a single pūtātara, calling us to gather in unity as we prepared to welcome
the Matariki star cluster.

Led by our kaumātua, the opening karakia acknowledged those who have passed (te hunga mate)
and those who remain, binding us through memory and aspiration.

Kaupapa & Whāinga

Matariki marks a time to remember, to celebrate, and to plan. Our kaupapa this year centred on three threads:

1. Remembrance of loved ones
2. Gratitude for the harvests of the year just gone
3. Setting intentions for collective wellbeing in the months ahead

Volunteers created intention cards for attendees to write down goals for whānau, hapori and taiao.
These will be displayed at our whare for the next lunar cycle.

Moments from the Morning

• Karakia at 5:45am — the dawn chorus softly joined the voices of our kaikarakia.
• Waiata & Kōrero — rangatahi led waiata learnt in kura, bringing fresh energy to familiar melodies.
• Koha Kai — after the hīkoi, hot rewena bread and pumpkin soup were served.

“Matariki helps us pause. It’s our reset button as whānau—time to check in, forgive, and move forward together.”

Whānau Reflections

Attendees shared personal kōrero. Some spoke of reconnecting with language and tikanga, while others carried grief
for loved ones lost. The space held both joy and tears, recognising that renewal and remembrance sit side by side.

Learning Resources

• Printable activity sheets for tamariki
• A short pronunciation guide for the nine whetū
• A whānau conversation template for setting intentions at home

Our team is compiling pātai asked on the day into a simple FAQ for the website.

What’s Next

As winter continues, we’ll host evening kōrero exploring each whetū of Matariki and what they represent—from
Tupuānuku and food grown in the earth, to Waitī and freshwater.

Watch our News page for dates and registration. If you’d like to help with kai, transport or setup,
get in touch. He waka eke noa — we’re all in this together.