Kapa Haka and Pasifika groups gathered in Orewa to honour Matariki with a heartfelt remembrance of those who have passed.

Kuras Unite for a Moving Matariki Celebration at Orewa College

Kapa Haka and Pasifika groups from Whangaparāoa College, Orewa College, and Mahurangi College gathered on Thursday 19 June at the Orewa Arts and Events Centre for Matariki Fia Fia 2025.

This festival celebrated Matariki, the Maori new year, through cultural performances. A standout moment was the Poroporoaki Ki Ngā Mate, a moving waiata sung beautifully by William Fairburn to acknowledge loved ones who have passed during the year. This wasn’t a farewell to guests, but a moment of remembrance, paired with poignant slides and images of whānau no longer with us.

The festival followed a special dawn service on Matariki morning, hosted by local marae Te Herenga Waka o Orewa, based in Silverdale, at Orewa Beach.

Captured by teacher Ralph Zamora, this video reflects the beauty and connection of the festival.

Video credit: Ralph Zamora