As Kahikatea looks to expand their kumara garden to be part of the new hangi/rongoa zone at school, we learn about the importance of kai (food) as part of Matariki celebrations.

Māori traditionally greeted the first sightings of Matariki with expressions of grief for those who had died since its last appearance. A ceremony called ‘whāngai i te hautapu’ was held at this time to remember those who had passed. This also involved ‘feeding the stars’ with specially prepared foods.

People would wait up several nights before the stars rose. They would make a small hangi (earth oven). When they saw the stars, they would weep and tell Matariki the names of those who had gone since the stars set, then the oven would be uncovered so the scent of the food would rise and strengthen the stars, for they were weak and cold.

Ngā kai a Matariki, nāna i ao ake ki runga.

The foods of Matariki, by her scooped up.

Once the time of grief was over, the emphasis of Matariki shifted to celebration. Because Matariki happened at the end of harvesting, there was an abundant supply of food for feasting. People rejoiced, sang and danced to celebrate the change of season and new beginnings.

Ruma Kahikatea are doing their special bit to prepare for Matariki and acknowledging the importance of kai (food) in this process. For three years now we have been growing kumara from the tuber, through to kumara slips, then rooting them ready to plant each year in November. The children in Kahikatea nurture, protect and love their kumara plants and garden until they harvest in May. The goal is to be able to grow and store enough kumara to supply the Matariki hangi and feed the community each year.

This week we harvested our kumara (before the first frost arrives) and yet again it was a great crop of healthy kumara - it must be something to do with the aroha/love from the tamariki!

If you would like to be part of helping us expand our garden come along to the FOMS working bee on Sunday. We will be building our 1st large raised kumara garden. It's going next to the hangi pit local artist Darryl Frost helped us build last year.