[{"id":14035,"order":0,"imagePath":"https://admin.ezystream.com/static/images/article/516b8d8a-e7f7-4e0b-9456-4ea551d1ade0.png","type":"image","content":"https://admin.ezystream.com/static/images/article/516b8d8a-e7f7-4e0b-9456-4ea551d1ade0.png"},{"id":14036,"order":1,"contentText":"Two Rivers Community Trust (initiated by Darfield Baptist Church) proudly hosted the inaugural u2018Matariki in Malvernu2019 event on Saturday 16th June 2018. More than 500 people from across Malvern came to celebrate Matariki, the Mu0101ori New Year, providing a fabulous opportunity for whu0101nau and friends to spend time together. We were privileged to have David Moko, our Baptist Kaihautu016b, attending also.
A spectacular fire poi performer welcomed visitors as they walked through a special tunnel entrance that created the atmosphere of native bush at night during Matariki. The event officially got underway with the mihi whakatau (welcoming ceremony) led by mana whenua from Ngu0101ti Moki Marae, Te Taumutu. Nine students, one from each of the Malvern schools, proudly represented their school on stage as part of the ceremony.
Kapa haka groups pulled out all the stops to put on truly impressive performances. Te Wai Tuku Kiri is a special waiata to Te Taumutu Ru016bnanga, who gifted it to our primary school kapa haka groups to sing. The lyrics reminded the students of our rivers, which run across the land in Malvern and are an important part of the life cycle. The rivers have been here all our life, just as they were for our ancestors. We need to listen to our land and keep our rivers clean.
The auditorium was then transformed into a banqueting hall as delicious hu0101ngi meals were enjoyed, along with homemade soup and fruit crumble. Afterwards, u2018Handsu2011On Stationsu2019 generated a new hive of activity as visitors of all ages wandered around having a go at different Matariki themed activities and taking mementoes home with them.
Two Rivers Community Trustu2019s mission statementu2014u201cA resilient community where people belong, contribute and flourishu201du2014was clearly evident on the night, with many voicing pride at living in Malvern. The numerous willing volunteers helped make the event a success, and it was wonderful to see them all flourish through their participation.
The event has had a far-reaching impact locally. It raised the profile of our cultural heritage, gave a platform for schools to proudly perform the rich learning of kapa haka, and opened up dialogue around cultural issues in our community.
Story: Kelly Maude, Events Coordinator, Two Rivers Community Trust
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