Te Kaika celebrates Matariki with hangi lunch

He Waka Kotuia Trust co-ordinator Komene Cassidy lifts the hangi with the help of his son Te Atarau Cassidy (12), as part of Te Kaika's celebration for Matariki, while Kiana Wereta (at left) enjoys the first plate of kai.

Fifteen people from Te Kaika, on the old College St School grounds, spent nearly two days preparing the hangi lunch, which was cooked yesterday.

Food included wild pig, stuffed duck, venison, chicken and mutton supplied by various hunters in the organisation.

Mr Cassidy said Matariki was the time when whanau discussed the past and future, which was always good to do with a full belly.

Whanau Ora navigator and event organiser Fiona Sinclair said people had been at the Caversham site since about 4.30am preparing the pit and heating the stones.

The hangi was ready about 12.30pm.

This was the first year the organisation had celebrated with a hangi.

"The boss was talking about doing it every month, but I'm not so sure," she said.

 - FISI-BELLE CARRASCO-REX