Matariki festivities begin with blessing ceremony in East Coast

Matariki festivities on the East Coast began with a traditional blessing ceremony, celebrating newborns as part of the revitalisation of Māori traditions. The event also provided a moment to reflect on loved ones affected by recent flooding.

At Waimarama Marae, the fire pits were lit for a morning full of reflection, hopes, and aspirations. The younger generation took centre stage with a tohi ceremony.

"The tohi ceremony is a traditional dedication of our babies," Waimarama Marae chairman Jeremy MacLeod explained. "There are 13 babies this morning, and this is part of a renaissance or reclamation of many practices that have been dormant for several generations."

The ceremony, which took place by a stream, was guided by a tohunga (expert) who sprinkled water over the pēpi while reciting karakia, invoking blessings and positive qualities to light the tamaiti's journey through life.

"Apart from the spiritual aspect, there is an emotional aspect as families come together, putting all their hopes and aspirations into these children, hoping they will be strong in the world," MacLeod said.

Those present for the ceremony cherished the moment.

"There’s not really any word to describe what you feel in the moment, but it’s definitely a day we’ll remember forever," Rowena Tuira said.

Maia Te Hria called it "incredibly special" to witness.

"This has been the first tohi in many generations in our whānau, so reclaiming that has been really powerful."

Others told 1News it was a good opportunity to learn and experience ceremonies as a family and ensure their continuation and revitalisation.

A hākari (feast) followed this morning's ceremonies, celebrating their significance and ushering in Te Tau Hou Māori (Māori New Year). The event marked a joyous beginning to the new year, inviting everyone to come together, reflect, and anticipate the blessings of the year ahead over shared kai.

The weekend provides time for many to set goals. Food sovereignty was a key focus this year for Tuira.

"Our focus is on food sovereignty, teaching our tamariki how to prepare kai, to putting it on the table and looking after our manuhiri. That’s our goal this year," she said.

The event was also a chance to think of those struggling with recent flooding.

Ngāti Kahungunu chairman Bayden Barber said Matariki can also be a good time for communities to come together.

"Just over a year on from Cyclone Gabrielle, we’ve got more flooding in Wairoa and parts of Haretonga. It’s an opportunity to work together as communities to be more resilient to climate change," he said.

"Our thoughts are with those doing it tough in Wairoa."

Several other Matariki events are planned in Hawke's Bay throughout the weekend, including the highly anticipated Matariki Mahuika beach fires.

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