Whanau Plans for the Matariki whakanui at O Wairoa Marae on Saturday, 18 July 2026.
Programme
4.30am Opening Whare Ora and the Green Rooms to finish settings up kai and hot drinks. People can drop off kai until 5.00am.
5.30am Karanga ki Matariki and Manuhiri arrival, whakatau, waiata, explanation of the Matariki whakanui, karakia, and storytelling with Pita Turei.
Waiata Ma wai ra Te Tuhi Ngā Whakamoemiti Noho Mai Kiwi Tamaki He Hōnore Purea Nei I Te Tīmatanga
7.00am Kai in Whare Ora and the Green Room. Direct Kaumatua to Whare Ora first, and once full (or younger ones) direct to the Green Rooms.
Waiata Waiata Group not working kai, please gather in Whare Ora to sing fun waiata together! You get to pick your favourite songs. Belt out the lead and have fun!
8.00am Putara for rowers to gather at the buses for the ride to the waka at Whitford Village. If not on the waka, please assist with cleaning / packing down in Te Whare Ora and the Green Rooms.
9.00am Kemu and practice of “Toia Mai” for the waka welcome, and front stalls opening.
9.30am Putara sounds and the group walks to Howick beach to set up for welcoming the waka.
10.00am Waka arrive, are welcomed, and return to the marae.
10.30 - 11.00am Arrival back at the marae, karakia on the marae atea, kai for the kaihoe, stalls and BBQ until 1.00pm, followed by kapa haka.
3.30 - 4.00pm Final Clean-up begins.
6.00pm Home time
Attire
Ō Wairoa Marae Shirts / Sweaters. Tidy long pants or skirts (preferably black). Dress warm due to the cold early morning.
Notes
Matariki is expected to rise between 5.30am and 6.30am. High tide is at 10.30am on Saturday, 18 July 2026.
After the start of the programme, timings may move by around 15 minutes either way. The Whare Matariki will be open for visits from early morning.