to mark Matariki
Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei held a Umu Kohukohu Whetū, a traditional ceremonial offering to mark the rise of Matariki inviting members of the public to join them.
Ranginui, the sky father, eventually cleared the skies and Tāwhirimatea and made sure the wind was low for the occasion, so that Matariki could be seen glistening in the morning sky.
Today marks the first day in most Maramataka, of the Tangaroa phase, when Matariki is most known and best recorded to be seen and marked, celebrations begin and umu kohukohu are lit.
Other iwi have held similar ceremonies around the country today as we are in the Matariki period ahead of the official launch of the public holiday on Friday.
Link to article: 1000 people gather at Takaparawhau to mark Matariki | RNZ News
