The Matariki Festival connects communities across Tāmaki Makaurau with Matariki-specific events, mana whenua identity and te ao Māori heritage and culture.

This year, one of the festival’s three significant pou events is the Umu Kohukohu Whetū, led by our partner Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei on their whenua Takaparawhau.

The Umu Kohukohu Whetū involves lighting umu (earth ovens) before sunrise and welcoming the Māori new year with food offerings to the Matariki cluster. Karakia as well as umu are integral to the ceremony ‘whāngai i te hau tapu’, acknowledging Matariki. Join us for this early-morning celebration and experience Hau Tapu first hand.

Click here to download the Umukohukohu Whetū booklet.