This year’s series of 5 Matariki wānanga, empowered whānau to hold their own hautapu ceremonies at home. Our 7 guest speakers each shared insight on differing kaupapa, while providing whānau with plenty of encouragement and tips to make the process less daunting.
The series began with a Matariki 101 wānanga that focused on what elements are necessary to run a hautapu. Ranginui Rikirangi-Thomas facilitated this kōrero, bringing a rich perspective thanks to his experiences with mahinga kai. He encouraged whānau to have an intimate knowledge of the taiao for the entirety of the year, so that seasonal gathering is made easier.
Our panel of three experts Anaha Hiini, Rangitiaria Tibble, and Aramoana Mohi-Maxwell, co-facilitated our karanga, karakia, & tikanga wānanga. Their shared mātauranga and life experiences, provided whānau with a wealth of learnings. Anaha Hiini presented his easy-to-follow, 13 step process, so that whānau could confidently carry out the ceremony in their own backyard. Overall, the kōrero highlighted the importance of having the right intentions as with them, any barriers can be overcome.
Tihini Grant lead our kai tūāhu wānanga and shared his memorable message to whānau to “use what got”. Not overthinking the ceremony and making use of the resources you have access to, is an important consideration. Tihini raised some interesting points that allowed whānau to think from a different perspective. He encouraged whānau to substitute traditional Matariki kai for what they have access to and not let lack of resources be a barrier to doing things themselves.
Our fourth wānanga was facilitated by Mihi Tibble, who shared kōrero around how her life has been influenced by maramataka. She encouraged whānau to move alongside the taiao and plan to do things at a time where it will be enhanced by the maramataka phase.
Te Waata Cribb brought our series of wānanga to a close by delving into the whakapapa of Matariki, drawing attention to it’s deep embedment in te ao Māori. Whānau were encouraged to think about what leading their own hautapu celebrations this year might look like.
This years Matariki wānanga series provided invaluable mātauranga Māori thanks to our expert facilitators. Their experiences and words of encouragement inspired those in attendance to take learnings back to their own whānau, and put plans in motion. To all whānau looking to run their own hautapu ceremonies this Friday, giving things a go and having the right intentions is the key. Karawhuia e te whānau!
