Ngāti Whātua is finalizing preparations at Takaparawhau (Bastion Point) for the national Matariki hautapu ceremony, an event centered on the ritual offering of food to the stars. According to Huia Hawke of Ngāti Whātua, the tribe is preparing a breakfast for 500 people that features a diverse menu including hāngī, seafood, and dishes such as Asian and Pacific Island cuisine.
The Ritual Significance of the Hautapu Ceremony
The hautapu ceremony is an important part of the Matariki holiday. According to Etienne Neho, manager of the tribe’s māra kai, the ritual involves offering specific food types to four stars within the Matariki cluster: Waitī (freshwater), Waitā (ocean), Tupuānuku (ground), and Tupuārangi (aboveground). The objective is to express gratitude for the past year and seek abundance for the coming season.
The menu reflects these traditions. For the upcoming ceremony, the tribe has sourced tuna (eel) for Waitī, tāmure (snapper) for Waitā, kūmara for Tupuānuku, and tītī (mutton bird) for Tupuārangi. Neho notes that as the tribe’s understanding of these traditions evolves, the planning process has become more streamlined, even as the event grows in scale.
The Matariki cluster is not just a cultural symbol but a seasonal marker. Different stars are associated with specific food sources, and the act of cooking them as an offering is intended to invite a more prosperous harvest and increased fish stocks for the year ahead.
Matariki Herenga Waka: A Theme of Universal Inclusion
The 2024 theme, Matariki Herenga Waka, draws on the Māori phrase Tāmaki herenga waka—referring to the gathering place of waka—and acknowledges Auckland’s status as the “City of Sails.” According to Neho, the theme emphasizes that Matariki is a celebration for everyone, regardless of ethnicity or background.
Professor Rangi Mātāmua, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage’s chief advisor on Matariki, notes that Matariki is becoming an increasing part of New Zealand’s national identity. He notes that the values of sharing, connectivity, and collective reflection underpin the event. Mātāmua emphasizes that the diversity of iwi narratives and stories is a strength, providing “colour and flavour” to the national observance.
The Growing National Awareness of Matariki
Ataahua Papa, creative director for the Matariki ki te Manawa Festival, reports that non-Māori participation has increased as the knowledge base regarding the stars and their cultural significance has expanded. Papa attributes this to the universal nature of the story, noting that stars are a shared human experience.
Mātāmua reinforces this perspective, stating that all cultures have historical traditions involving the observation of stars for planting, harvesting, and honoring the deceased. He encourages the public to immerse themselves in the hautapu ceremony, describing it as a way to “moor your canoe to Matariki” and connect with the broader community.
FAQ: Understanding the Matariki Hautapu
- What is a hautapu ceremony? It is a ritual where specific foods are cooked as an offering to the stars in the Matariki cluster to give thanks and seek future abundance.
- Who can attend Matariki celebrations? The theme “Matariki Herenga Waka” highlights that the celebration is intended for everyone, welcoming all ethnicities and backgrounds to participate.
- Why is food important to Matariki? Different stars are associated with different food sources (freshwater, ocean, ground, and aboveground), linking the celestial cycle directly to the harvest and the whenua (land).
Have you attended a Matariki hautapu ceremony in your local area? Share your experiences in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on cultural events across the country.
