In-Person Event

NWŌ Hautapu ki Takaparawhau

June 20 @ 5:00 AM - 7:30 AM

Takaparawhau, Bastion Point

Nau mai e te mātahi o te tau

Watch the sunrise over Takaparawhau, and join us for a special Hautapu ceremony to celebrate the start of the Māori New Year. A hautapu is a Māori ceremony consisting of a traditional earth oven (umu kohukohu whetū) and offering to the stars, which involves lighting a hāngī / umu (earth oven) before sunrise on the first day of Matariki, as well as karakia, karanga and waiata, to welcome the Māori new year. For most, this is also a time to remember, reflect and prepare for the upcoming year.

Paraire 20 Hune | Friday, 20th June 2025 - Takaparawhau, Bastion Point

5.30 gather for briefing

6am official start

7am ceremony complete, followed by breakfast (free)

This is a public and free event. The cultural ceremony will be led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, breakfast provided.

Please dress to the conditions, and keep warm. We recommend gumboots, multiple clothing layers and umbrella (if rain forecast).

Parking

Please park at Grammar Tec fields carpark, 27 Reihana Street, Ōrākei. Shuttle buses will be moving throughout the morning to pick up and drop off between Grammar Tec and Ōrākei Marae in a loop. We have added additional buses for this years transportation. The first bus will leave Grammar Tec at 4am and continue the 5 minute trip loop for pick ups and drop offs. Security will be based at Grammar Tec carpark during the event.

See here for the visual Event Key.