Kites and Connections Mark Matariki Mā Puanga Wānanga

It was a day of creativity, connection, and reflection for the Waimarino community, as Te Korowai o Wainuiārua and REAP hosted a Matariki mā Puanga wānanga celebrating traditional knowledge through mahi toi.

Held as part of the region’s Matariki celebrations, the wānanga explored the cultural and spiritual significance of manu tukutuku (traditional Māori kites), which were once used to send messages to the heavens.

Participants gathered to reflect on the year that has passed, to remember loved ones, and to set aspirations for the year ahead. As they built their own manu tukutuku, they symbolically connected earth and sky, honouring their whakapapa and responsibilities as kaitiaki.

“Wairua was lifted, and traditional knowledge was shared and awakened,” said Jane Welburn of Te Ara Tupua.

“The kaupapa offered space for people to reflect, connect with their environment, and carry the legacy of their tūpuna forward in a creative, meaningful way.”

The theme for the day, Ko Puanga te kairūru i te tau tawhito, ko Matariki te kaiuaki i te tau hou - Puanga binds the end of the old year, Matariki feeds the beginning of the new, set the tone for a deeply rooted cultural experience.

A second wānanga is scheduled for Saturday, 20 July, from 10am to 5pm.

This upcoming workshop will focus on intergenerational learning, with pakeke and tamariki invited to create manu tukutuku together. It will also explore the tikanga of harvesting and preparing raupō and harakeke from the local environment.

To register, contact Jane Welburn on 021 455 415 or email tearatupua@uenuku.iwi.nz.