The highly anticipated Ruapehu Puanga and Mataraki Whānau Expos kick off this week to celebrate the start of the Māori
New Year.
A collective effort by local hapū, Visit Ruapehu and Waihuia Ventures Ltd, a series of festivities throughout the month
are planned to commemorate this special time of year.
This coming Wednesday 15 June, the Puanga Whānau Expo will be held at Raetihi Marae from 4-7 pm for local communities to
come together to reconnect, reflect and revitalise indigenous knowledge through kōrero as well as a hāngī.
A respected and well-known advocate and practitioner of living by the lunar calendar, guest speaker Meretini
Bennett-Huxtable of Mokai Patea descent has been working to create awareness of Maramataka as a tool to assist Māori and
non-Māori in maintaining health and wellbeing priorities, work-life balance, reflective practice, and increased
self-awareness.
“Our Mātauranga passes down through our DNA and every opportunity to practice is an opportunity to help our people
remember their narratives,” adds Meretini.
Meretini will be joined by guest speaker and cultural advisor Shiro Brown of Ngāti Rangi descent as well as event MC
Elijah Pue of Ngāti Rangi & Ngāti Uenuku descent.
Working tirelessly behind the scenes, Troy Brown from Waihuia Ventures Ltd hopes that these inaugural Whānau Expos
continue to grow from strength to strength each year.
“It’s an awesome opportunity for whānau and tourism operators to come together and learn about Puanga and Matariki. The
support we’ve received from Raetihi and Morero Marae has been incredible,” shares Troy.
Local operators Josephine and Ken Haworth from Whanganui River Adventures in Pipiriki will be attending the Puanga
Whānau Expo in Raetihi and are looking forward to the event.
“For us Matariki is about bringing our families and communities together in everything we do and to celebrate new
beginnings. We will be offering local discounts for our Bridge to Nowhere Tour at the expo,” reveals Josephine Haworth.
Based in National Park Village, local guiding company Adrift Tongariro will also be at the expo showcasing a range of
outdoor adventures to enjoy in Ruapehu with a few giveaways on offer including an adventure tourism internship with
Adrift Tongariro for one successful applicant to gain outdoor training, hospitality and health and safety skills.Key events:12th June Puanga Wānanga13th June Maunga Karakia15th June Ruapehu Puanga Whānau Expo at Raetihi Marae from 4-7 pm23rd June Ruapehu Matariki Whānau Expo at Taumarunui War Memorial Hall from 4-7 pm
Hāngī will be available for the first 200 visitors at the Ruapehu Puanga Whānau Expo in Raetihi and the Ruapehu Matariki
Whānau Expo in Taumarunui.