Project Details
Matariki marks the Māori New Year, a time for reflection, renewal, and connection. In Whāingaroa (Raglan), our annual celebrations bring the community together through cultural performances, storytelling, kai, and interactive events.
With support from hapū, local groups, and organisations, these events honour Mātauranga Māori, strengthen community ties, and create meaningful learning opportunities for all ages.
Feedback
“It felt like community used to be, all together, connected.”
“It was so heartwarming to see all ages gathered and having a wonderful evening together – it felt long overdue and it was very special.”
Community Event
Matariki Celebration
Community Aspiration
Raglan Naturally is committed to fostering cultural diversity, strengthening relationships with whānau, hapū, and iwi, and creating a safe, caring, and age-friendly community. Matariki provides a special opportunity to celebrate these values together.
Objective
To celebrate Matariki as a community and deepen our collective understanding of the Māori New Year and Mātauranga Māori.
Matariki ki Whāingaroa 2022 – Community Event
Our first large-scale, post-pandemic community event was held in the heart of Raglan, bringing together over 500 people. The event was a collaborative effort featuring remembrance, music, entertainment, and kai, creating a much-needed space for reconnection. The working group built strong relationships, shared ideas, and gained new skills, leading to a successful and meaningful celebration. Raglan Naturally also promoted other local Matariki events and designed a commemorative Matariki poster.
Matariki 2023 – Community Events
Following the success of 2022, we supported the community in delivering six diverse Matariki events, each highlighting different aspects of Mātauranga Māori:
- Old School Arts Centre – Supported their Matariki celebration.
- Raukura Matariki Star Trail – A half-day learning experience for tamariki and their whānau.
- Whaingaroa Youthwork Collective: Lights at Papahua – A community gathering under the stars.
- Hapori Hauora Day – A collaborative event with Te Whatu Ora and Raglan Naturally.
- Ōmaero Pā – A Matariki luncheon and celebration of kaumātua.
- Te Papatapu Marae – A traditional Matariki Hautapu ceremony.
Matariki ki Whāingaroa 2024
Plans for the 2024 festival continue to develop, aligning with hapū aspirations to ensure an inclusive and meaningful celebration.
Key 2022 Event Collaborators: Whāingaroa Environment Centre (WEC), Raglan Lions Club, Tainui o Tainui kaumatua Sean Ellison & Paddy Kaa, Ward Councillor Lisa Thomson, Maki Nishiyama, Felix Larsen-Jensen, Nikky Keys, musicians & performers (Reiki Ruawai, Ngaranoa Renata, Naomi Pitcher, Sioux Swann, and Matariki Kaiwata: Tukana, Nikau, Tux & Vince), Māori Wardens, Raglan Community Radio, Raglan Area School, Raglan Old School Arts Centre, Amy Hanna, Raglan Library, Waikato District Council, Waikato Group Alliance, Xtreme Zero Waste, Raglan Fire Service, St John Ambulance, NZ Police (Raglan), Bow Street Raglan retailers, Raglan Business Chamber, Raglan Signs, Waikato Regional Council, local kai stall fundraisers, and many volunteers.