Last Friday, some of our kaimahi gathered at Takaparawhau, Bastion Point with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and the wider Tāmaki whānau in the early hours of the morning to celebrate te tau hou Māori, the Māori new year.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, our new partner, led the Hautapu ceremony. As part of the Hautapu, a special oven was prepared – ‘te umu kohukohu whetū’, ‘the steaming earth oven of the stars’. Karakia, karanga and waiata were also delivered during the Hautapu, offering us an opportunity to remember, reflect and prepare for the upcoming year.
For those of you who were unable to attend, check out our video capturing the day. Mānawatia a Matariki!