Matariki Experience At Nathan Homestead & the PukePuke Tea Rooms

Today is Matariki, the Māori New Year.

Matariki is a public holiday in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

I experienced waita (song) and kapahaka (dance) at Nathan Homestead in Manurewa, South Auckland.

Beautifully arranged, the gardens were well manicured. It was a clear winter's day, and lovely to hear people speaking te reo (the language).

The event was a free public event with stalls selling Maori-inspired items, jewellery and artefacts.

Having lived in NZ my whole life, I feel embarrassed I don't know how to speak much Maori. I was so naive and unable to have gratitude to the beautiful waita, language and culture that the native people bring to this world. Having learnt a little te reo, I have found the language is deep with wisdom and beautiful songs.

Fortunately, meditation opened my mind to appreciate this deep, rich culture. I am waking up from the past and experiencing a fresh day.

Nathan Homestead

The Nathan Homestead is a historic home and gardens with a beautiful cafe called Pukepuke Tea Rooms with plenty of seating outside and inside. A hidden gem, definitely worth visiting!

The homestead offers:

• art classes

• workshops

• exhibitions

• school holiday programmes

• Venue hire for weddings, birthdays, and special functions.

General admission is free. Charges may apply to classes, workshops, and special events.

Nathan Homestead Pukepuke is an Auckland Council arts facility supported by the Manurewa Local Board.

For more information on the Pukepuke Tearooms, see the Facebook or Instagram page.