Unforgettable Moments from Recent Māori Events

Matariki Hautapu Ceremony

Following the Enrolled school Matariki celebration, senior Auckland students slept over at Rūaumoko Marae in preparation for the first traditional Hautapu Ceremony to ever take place at Ko Taku Reo. We were blessed with a beautiful morning where we could see Matariki in the early morning night sky before the sunrise. Students each took an opportunity to perform a karakia related to one of the stars and pay tribute to loved ones who had passed in the last year as the lid was lifted off the boil-up pot connected to the four food stars of Matariki. Te Aroha had sourced fresh watercress, tītī (mutton bird), oysters, kumara and potatoes.

We then enjoyed breakfast together as we watched the sun rise over Auckland City. The students could reflect on their learning and the connection to the Hautapu Ceremony and had the opportunity to reflect on their personal goals for the New Year.

Māori Immersion Hui

Ten Māori Deaf students attended the Māori Immersion Hui in Term 3. Students from various regions of Aotearoa came together to learn about Māori Deaf culture and identity. The teaching and learning focus included gaining an understanding of Māori narrative through Pūrākau and mātauranga Māori and gaining/growing an understanding of Māori Deaf culture and identity. Most learning took place at Rūaumoko marae, and students also visited the Arataki Visitors Centre in Waitākere and the Māori Centre at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. They met members of the Māori Deaf community and other Māori Deaf students.

Students left having formed valuable relationships and grew their understanding of Mātauranga Māori and their Māori Deaf Identity.

Kapahaka at the 6th National Hui for Māori Deaf

Our Ko Taku Reo Auckland Kapahapa roopu, Te Roopu ō Ngāti Turi, were invited to perform at this year’s National Hui for Māori Deaf held at Papakura Marae in Auckland. Some of our Christchurch students joined us, as did a few of our past students who were present at the hui. The roopu performed three waiata and our Rūaumoko haka, then taught all the hui delegates Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi. As their kapahaka tutor, I was very proud of their leadership, commitment, and performance.