While some whetu (stars) hid behind clouds early last Friday morning, the spirit of Matariki shone brightly in Katikati as the community came out en mass to see in the Māori New Year.

More than 300 people – a mix of young and old – gathered at Te Whare o Rahi (Park Road Reserve) in darkness at 6am on July 10 to enjoy Katikati’s fourth annual community Matariki dawn event.

Hosted by Western Bay Museum in collaboration with mana whenua Te Rereatukahia o Ngāi Tamawhariua, the free event was led by a Katikati resident and respected pūkenga matua (senior lecturer) in te reo Māori, Ngairo Eruera, who first shared the origin story of the star cluster.

He followed by performing a hautapu ceremony – a sacred ritual dedicated to remembering loved ones who have passed away, making food offerings to the Matariki star cluster, and looking forward to a prosperous new year.

Afterwards, everyone enjoyed free hangi, fry bread burgers and hot chocolates. Katikati News was there.

For a second year, the 5-metre replica Waka Taua Te Au o Maui, (carved Māori canoe) was the centrepiece of the event at the reserve. Photo / Laura Drummond

Friends Makaria Adamson, 6, and Milli Mitchell, 6, keep warm thanks to fire brazier at the event. Photo / Merle Cave

Katikati resident Ngairo Eruera led his town’s fourth annual community Matariki dawn event. Photo / Merle Cave

The food offering to the Matariki star cluster in the hautapu ceremony. Photo / Merle Cave

Fire braziers kept people warm as dawn broke. Photo / Merle Cave

Hot chocolates were also served after the ceremony finished. Photo / Laura Drummond