For the second time, Dunstan High School is celebrating Matariki with a community focus on Wednesday June 28.

Teacher Johni Rutene says Dunstan is “proud to be hosting an event celebrating Matariki in the community”.

Celebrations of Matariki are guided by three major principles.

These are remembrance - honouring those who we have lost; celebrating the present - gathering together to give thanks for what we have; and looking to the future - looking forward to the promise of a new year. 

To celebrate, the school will have a busy evening of food, waiata, and kapa haka. 

Stalls selling a range of food, including star cookies, soup, crepes and fry bread, will be available to keep locals satisfied and warm on the night.

There will also be a hāngi with three meat, three vege and stuffing available to purchase through the QR code on the poster, which can be found at Dunstan and around the community. 

Dunstan’s Kapa Haka will have a ‘flash mob’ performance alongside drama and waiata from students. 

An exhibition of schoolwork showcasing students' mahi from the year will also be displayed on the night. 

The event is open to everyone from the community to come together to celebrate the Māori New Year on Wednesday June 28 from 4:30 pm-6:30 pm at Dunstan High School.

*Please note the date for ordering Hāngi has been pushed back to Sunday, June 25.

Manawatia - a Matariki celebration at Dunstan High School.