Ko te mahi kai, he taonga

From Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Library’s archives

A monthly blog about interesting items in our collections

Four hāngī helpers for Bethlehem Māori Indoor Basketball. Published 10 May 1967. 
Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Photo gca-15903

The national theme for Matariki 2024 is "Matariki Hera Kai" - Matariki, the bringer of food, emphasizing the connection between the re-emergence of Matariki and the hopes and aspirations for an abundant, prosperous season ahead - nā Rangi Mātāmua. 

For the iwi of Tauranga, the essence of manaakitanga (hospitality) and aroha (love, compassion) has always been expressed through gathering, preparing, and providing kai at a communal level. Ko te mahi kai, he taonga. 

   New meeting house at Peterehema (Bethlehem) - opening the hāngī. Photograph taken for magazine number 

84 of the Bay of Plenty Photo News, 31 May 1969, p.23  Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries, Logan Publishing, Tauranga and Bay of Plenty Photo News Collection Photo pn-2165

The practice of Ko te mahi kai, he taonga reinforces our deep relationship with the natural environment and its bounties, reflecting the essence of our interconnectedness with the land and sea. All elements of the taiao are recognised in Te Kaahui a Matariki, reminding us of our interdependence on and gratitude for what the taiao (nature), provides. 

Gala Day at the Pāpāmoa Farm. Danny Heke, Teani Taitapanui, and Pat Edwards digging the hāngī.
Published 22 November 1967. Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Photo gca-16882

Māori Women's Welfare League's District Council meeting. Stirring a pot (1/2), unpublished. 
Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Photo gca-6880

Matariki has the power to bring people together through manaaki and aroha: to share kai, celebrate amongst our communities, spend time with whānau, reflect on loved ones who have passed, and to hold fast to our aspirations for the coming year.

Pāpāmoa Māori School's fair - Sat. Hangi - Mr E. Hāwera. Published 22 November 1965.
Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Photo gca-10968

Ngā mihi ki te tāu hou Māori! Mānawatia a Matariki e te iwi...

Matariki star cluster rises over Pāpāmoa Beach (2022) Taken from Pāpāmoa Beach, June 24, 2022 (6.30 a.m.), New Zealand’s first official Matariki Public Holiday. Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Photo 22-0331

For more information about this and other items in our collection, visit Pae Korokī or email the Heritage & Research Team: research@tauranga.govt.nz

Written by Amie Rolleston, Mātanga Taonga Tuku Iho Māori at Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries.