Mānawatia a Matariki

Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō Chairperson Hinemoa Conner, Trustee Fayne Robinson, staff and iwi members joined in with the Puanga Matariki Winter Festival in Westport late last month.

The weather was unable to dampen the spirits of local rangatahi and members of the public as they gathered to celebrate. There was lots of fun and laughter as our Chair Hinemoa Conner joined with iwi member Lucretia Britt on stage to put together a puzzle of the constellation with kaimahi also involved with trying to gain “points” for their team as the group competed in various fun activities on the night.

Kiley Batt provided a stall with kaimoana for the people attending, this was a most welcome addition to the night’s proceedings.

Master carver Fayne Robinson kept rangatahi entertained with a Q&A and stories around his career in carving, how he got started and a display showing some of his wonderful pieces along with a slide show of his work.

The night finished off with a Rangatahi Masquerade Ball and it was a fantastic kaupapa to be involved in as it highlighted the iwi and our involvement in the rohe.

By Lynne Owen