Kōhanga reo with in the lower Tūhoe region converged onto Te Kura Whare in Tāneatua today to celebrate Matariki. It’s the third year that the cluster of kōhanga reo has come together which includes those from Ruatoki, Waimana, Tāneatua, and as far as Kawerau.
Katie King-Hazel of Tāneātua kōhanga says that this year Tāneatua hosted the event which they hope will continue to be an annual event for the cluster of kōhanga in the lower region of the Tūhoe area.
The one-day event included story-telling and kapa haka performances.
But King-Hazel stressed that one of the key elements incorporated in this year’s Matariki celebrations was the introduction of traditional Māori activities such as harvesting kai, flax work, and one on one sessions on the meaning of Matariki.
The event was made special with the support of Te Uru Taumatua allowing the use of their living building as a venue for the celebrations, Te Kura Whare opened last year and is the first living building of its kind in Aotearoa.
Those participating in the celebrations include Te Papaōhaki, Tanatana, Taneatua, Te Kohu, Ruatoki, Tūmanako, Ngā Whetu and Tāwhaki Kōhanga Reo.