Last week, we celebrated Matariki, beginning with our heartfelt Kawe Mate ceremony to acknowledge and remember those loved ones who passed over last year. Flag raising and waiata followed. A sausage sizzle and bake sale was a Matariki fundraiser. A small group of kapa haka students connected with our younger community members by performing at Koru Kids Early Learning Centre (Papatoetoe), and Early Discoveries Learning Centre (Manurewa). A larger group performed at Papakura Night markets - all performances were enjoyed and appreciated.

Our Engagement Centre rangatahi designed and created taonga pūoro - ngā mihi to Maha Tomo and Laura Annan from Auckland Bone and Stone for sharing your skills and knowledge. Rāmere finished the week with delicious kai for staff that related to ngā whetu - Tupuānuku (food from the ground), Tupuārangi (food from the trees), Waitī (food from freshwater) and Waitā (food from the sea).

Wiki rawe! Ngā mihi nui to all who made our Matariki a celebratory success.