In 2022 our partnering iwi for Matariki Festival, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, will lead the resurgence and practice of Umu Kohukohu Whetū, on their whenua Takaparawhau.

The Umu Kohukohu Whetū involves lighting a hāngī / umu (earth oven) before sunrise on the first day of Matariki celebrations, to welcome the Māori new year with food offerings to the Matariki star cluster. Karakia as well as the Umu make up one part of the ceremony Whāngai i te Hau Tapu acknowledging Matariki. Whānau and communities are invited to attend this celebration to witness a Hau Tapu ceremony and experience the Umu Kohukohu Whetū first-hand. 

DOWNLOAD the Umu Kohukohu Whetū booklet.

Time:

5:00am Arrive at carpark
5:20am Meet at the Tūāhu (altar)
5:30am Explanation provided by our Tohunga
5:50am Ceremony commences
6:10am Te Hau Tapu (offering to the stars)
6:40am Daybreak – mihimihi (acknowledgements)
7:00am Kai – Breakfast at Ōrākei Marae and on Takaparawhau

Click HERE to watch the YouTube video on Umu Kohukohu Whetū with Te Kurataiaho Kapea.