Masterton Erupts for Matariki – 6th July

Thursday, 28 June 2012, 4:31 pm
Press Release: Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc

Media Release – 28 June 2012

“Masterton Erupts for Matariki – 6th July”

Kyra Hill says Matariki is one of those unique events which has the power to bring people together to inspire unity among the district’s various communities.

And that’s what she’s hoping for when Masterton hosts it’s Matariki festival on Friday 6 July.
She is the administrator for Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and organiser of the event.

“ It is wonderful to see young and old come together at this time to give thanks for the harvest and new year planting season ”, she said.

The twilight event with free kiddies rides and a karaoke concert will start about 4pm to “get everyone warmed up” for the entertainment Kyra said. Local performers include DJ Main-1,Tama Pira from “Songs from the Inside” TV programme and album, Koia band and Kiriana Wilcocks.

Rezpect and Swagga Dance Crews from Hastings will perform and host a “Move Your Body” dance competition.

Guest artist for the night is Masterton born rap juggernaut Kaleb Vitale aka K. One. His song So Long with Scribe is the latest in a growing list of big name collaborations off his debut album Far From Home. Over the past couple of years he has worked with Opshop’s Jason Kerrigan, J. Williams and his childhood idol, Che Fu.

“I’m starting to get hooked up with all the artists I looked up to”, said K. One. “That was one of my goals”.

But now the 25 year old is gaining a foothold in Australia and eyeing up Europe later in the year, with possibly a new sound.

“We’re so lucky to have a homegrown artist like K. One come home to perform for Matariki” said Kyra. “He’s an inspiration for our youth.”

The event will end with a spectacular fireworks display.

“The fireworks display to Maori music is something the whole community will enjoy”, Kyra said.

“This will be the fourth Matariki fireworks display this team has put on in four weeks and they have done an amazing job. Last Friday in Hastings thousands turned out and cheered through the show. It was fantastic”, she said.

“This is one of those rare opportunities where Wairarapa gets to showcase it’s local talent, especially local music talent, it’s a whanau atmosphere where the whole
community comes out to support Matariki, it’s awesome,” she said.
Locals are encouraged to dress warm in layered clothing and walk to the park.
The free community event is funded by grants from Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc, Te Puni Kokiri, Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Masterton Creative Communities, Masterton District Council, More FM and Wairarapa News.

Free entry. 4pm to 7.30pm, Marist Rugby Club, Trust House Memorial Park, Dixon St, Masterton.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MATARIKI

What is Matariki?

It is a small cluster of stars known as Pleiades. Translated it means tiny eyes, or eyes of God. It appears in the western dawn skies from late May and stays until the end of June.

Why we celebrate it and when?

The first new moon after the rise of Pleiades signalled the end of the harvest. At this time food was plentiful and harvested for shortage to be eaten during the winter months.Kahungunu gathered to celebrate and give thanks for the harvest and to welcome the New Year planting season with ceremonial ritual, singing and feasting

What traditions has Kahungunu revived for Matariki?

The blessing of fertility stones for food producers to bury in their fields, vineyards and orchards.
The making and flying of traditional Maori kites.
Maori games and tournaments including whai (string), kai makamaka (knuckle bones), tititorea (throwing sticks), mahi ringaringa (hand games) and poi and Ki-Orahi.

What traditions has Kahungunu revived within a modern context?

Kahungunu members return home for kinship.
Give thanks for the harvest by sharing a meal with whanau, school and workplace.
We honour the achievements of young and old.
A large outdoor celebration in Kahungunu’s six taiwhenua, Wairoa, Te Whanganui A
Orotu (Napier area), Heretaunga, Tamatea (Central Hawke’s Bay), Tamaki Nui A Rua and Wairarapa.

Do other iwi celebrate Matariki?

Each iwi celebrates Matariki with their own rituals and on different dates. Ngati
Kahungunu celebrates Matariki from the first weekend in June to the second weekend in July.

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