More than 1000 people gathered at Takaparawhau on Tuesday morning to observe Matariki and welcome the New Year.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei held a Umu Kohukohu Whetū, a traditional ceremonial offering, to mark the rise of Matariki. Photo: RNZ / Liam Brown
Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei held a Umu Kohukohu Whetū, a traditional ceremonial offering to mark the rise of Matariki inviting members of the public to join them.
Ranginui, the sky father, eventually cleared the skies and Tāwhirimatea and made sure the wind was low for the occasion, so that Matariki could be seen glistening in the morning sky.
Today marks the first day in most Maramataka, of the Tangaroa phase, when Matariki is most known and best recorded to be seen and marked, celebrations begin and umu kohukohu are lit.
Other iwi have held similar ceremonies around the country today as we are in the Matariki period ahead of the official launch of the public holiday on Friday.
This morning, hundreds gathered at the top of Takaparawhau, many wrapped up in blankets and winter coats. The umu kohukohu was lifted, clouds of steam rose as the sky opened as an offering to the stars, with the Umu itself containing kai in correspondence to the stars.
Hundreds gathered at Takaparawhau to observe the rise of Matariki this morning. Photo: RNZ / Liam Brown
Te Kura Taiaho of Ngāti Whatua explained to the crowd what kai was used in the Umu.
"For Tupuānuku, we have kūmara - to represent all the food that comes from the Earth. We have, heihei, a chicken to represent Tupuārangi, a tuna for Waitī, and a big ika to represent Waitā - food that comes from the sea."
Many pou in te ao Māori have passed away in the last year. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei grieved one of their prominent kaumatua, Joe Hawke, who leader of the Bastion Point occupation. He died last month.
Hawke was buried on Takaparawhau, not far from where the Umu Kohukohu Whetū took place - the land he fought for that was returned to his people.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei chairperson Marama Royal read out the names of those who had passed since the last Matariki, as those present looked to Pōhutukawa, the star in the cluster, to carry the spirit of those who have passed across the sky.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei chairperson Marama Royal read out the names of those who had passed since the last Matariki. Photo:
She said it was a beautiful morning.
"As you looked over the horizon and when you heard the karanga go out, and the karakia, you saw the beautiful rising of Matariki. Our first karanga and karakia went out to Pōhutukawa, we remebered those who have left us over the past year."
Royal said the masses after the hautapu and the offering was made to Matariki, then had a hākari together to celebrate.
Auckland City Councillor, Alf Filipaina, spoke to the diversity seen at this morning's celebrations, saying there were people from all walks of life, from all different cultures in attendance.