Matariki - New Zealand's Gourmet Hangi and Concert

On May 10th a star-studded gourmet hangi feast and concert for 700-plus guests - thought to be the largest of its type in the world - launched this year’s Matariki celebrations.

About Matariki

Matariki is the Maori name for the small cluster of stars that can be seen low on New Zealand’s north-eastern horizon just before dawn in the last days of May or in early June. The first appearance of these stars, which are also known as the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters, heralds the beginning of Maori New Year celebrations.

Traditionally, Matariki was an opportunity to honour the past and plan for the future. Today it has become a time to celebrate the remarkable country we live in; share kai (food), stories and songs; create art and enjoy cultural entertainment.

Making Matariki even more special

This year Matariki launched with the ultimate New Year’s party at Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia, which is just north of Hamilton in the North Island. Organised as a fundraiser for the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre, which helps special needs children, the event included a gourmet hangi and a concert featuring some of New Zealand’s most acclaimed contemporary singers and musicians.

A huge manu aute or Māori kite, on loan from the Waikato Museum, was displayed at the event. It was designed in the traditional manner by artists Rama Kete, Pita and Karen Te Ngaru, and Kirihaehae Kirkwood. New Zealand artist Tracey Tawhiao designed the stage backdrop.

A feast you will never forget

Fresh food - hot from the Maori hangi oven.
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Food for this memorable Matariki event was designed by Peter Gordon, a Kiwi chef of Maori descent who has become an international culinary celebrity.

Peter planned a gourmet menu that included marinated pork loin with kawakawa (a native herb with a mint flavour), stuffed pork belly, marinated chicken with local manuka honey, whole baby lamb and marinated beef with peppery native horopito. The food was cooked in a hangi (earth oven) using super-heated stones, in keeping with Maori traditions. For those who had never eaten hangi food before, it was a delicious surprise.

All the dishes were devised to add a twist to the usual hangi fare, Peter Gordon says. "I’ve simply added a fusion approach using local ingredients where I can and some Asian spicing as well. It will be very tasty I can assure you."

Peter Gordon was assisted by other high profile New Zealand chefs including Anne Thorp, the Maori ‘Queen of Cuisine’ and star of the TV food show Kai Ora, and Turangawaewae Marae’s chief cooks.

Matariki music

	Hinewehi Mohi
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The mastermind behind the Matariki Gourmet Hangi and Concert was singer-songwriter Hinewehi Mohi, a descendant of the Ngati Kahungunu and Ngai Tuhoe tribes.

Hinewehi performed at the event, and she called on some of New Zealand’s most talented entertainers to help her. Dave Dobbyn, Hollie Smith, Tama Waipara, Whirimako Black, Nesian Mystik, Moana and the Tribe, Maisey Rika and Pania Papa were all on board to deliver an evening of exceptional local music and song.

Tickets on sale online

The Matariki Gourmet Hangi and Concert began with a powhiri (welcome ceremony). The hangi and concert will follow and the event concluded at around 8pm.

Other Matariki events around the country;

Hawke’s Bay Community Matariki Festivals

Sat 30 May
Annual Matariki Dinner hosted by Matariki Winery, Wellwood Road, Hastings.

Friday 12 June
Pahiatua Matariki at Pahiatua Stadium. Singers, dancers, food and fireworks. Free entry.5pm to 8pm.

Friday 19 June
Waipukurau Matariki at A.W. Parson Stadium & Russell Park. Singers, dancers, food and fireworks. Free entry. 5pm to 8pm.

Friday 26 June.
Flaxmere Matariki at Flaxmere Park. Singers, dancers, food and fireworks. Free entry.3pm to 8pm.

Saturday 27 June
Matariki Winter Solstice Fair at Clareville Showgrounds, Wairarapa. 100 craft stalls, food, entertainment and fireworks. 1pm to 7pm.

Friday 3 July
Wairoa Matariki at Wairoa Community Centre. All day programme includes Te Ao Kori - Maori Games during the day and a magnificent community concert at night with a fireworks finale. Free entry. 9am to 2.30pm, 5pm to 8pm.

Paihia Matariki Festival

Friday 29 May
Gala Opening - a sneak preview of the art for sale, entertainment, refreshments and nibbles. Open to all - no charge. Venue: Waitaha Conference Centre, Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Waitangi.

Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May
An exhibition of fine art showcasing paintings, sculpture, glass, weaving and carving from established artists in the Bay of Islands and far north. No entry fee, all welcome.

Saturday 30 May
Maori Traditional Kite Making workshop

Sunday 31 May
‘Horewai’ Kite Making workshop, Maori Indoor Games workshop, Kete Weaving workshop

Monday 1 June
Lantern Making workshop

For full workshop details, prices and booking details please see www.paihianz.co.nz