Te Āwhina Kōhanga Reo came together on 26 June 2025 to celebrate Pō Matariki - an evening filled with creativity, whānau connection, and cultural pride. From wearable arts to shared kai, discover how our community honoured the Māori New Year.
On 26 June 2025, Te Āwhina Kōhanga Reo was transformed into a space of warmth, and aroha for those of us who gathered to celebrate Matariki - the Māori New Year. Our special event, Pō Matariki, brought together our tamariki, whānau, and wider community for an evening grounded in tikanga, remembrance, and hope for the year ahead.
From the moment whānau arrived, the whare was filled with aroha. The presence of so many parents, grandparents, siblings, and supporters created an atmosphere that truly reflected the strength of our kōhanga. It was a beautiful reminder that at Te Āwhina Kōhanga Reo, we are more than just a learning space, we are a whānau.
In the weeks leading up to our celebration, each of our tamariki was gifted a star from the Matariki cluster. This kaupapa created a meaningful opportunity for learning, storytelling, and connection within each home. Whānau were invited to work alongside their tamariki to design and create a costume that represented their assigned whetū. This process encouraged creativity, strengthened whānau bonds, and deepened understanding of the significance of each star within the Matariki cluster.
The highlight of the evening was our wearable arts showcase. One by one, our tamariki proudly stepped forward, adorned in their unique creations, each costume telling a story of their whetū. From stars connected to food and the environment, to those representing wellbeing and remembrance, every piece reflected the love, effort, and whakaaro that had gone into its creation. It was a powerful expression of identity, culture, and learning in action.
As the night continued, whānau gathered to share kai, laughter, and stories. This time of whakawhanaungatanga was just as important as the formal elements of the evening, allowing connections to grow and relationships to be strengthened. It is these moments that truly reflect the heart of Te Āwhina Kōhanga Reo.
Pō Matariki was more than just a celebration - it was a reflection of our values, our identity, and our commitment to nurturing our tamariki within te ao Māori. Through experiences like this, we continue to create a strong foundation for our tamariki, where they can stand proud in who they are and where they come from.
