Matariki: Ōtautahi

Time

  • 5:30 pm

Date

  • 18/06/2025

Organiser

  • VOYCE

Location

  • South Brighton Surf Life Saving Club

What a truly unforgettable evening it was at the South New Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club, as our VOYCE Ōtautahi whānau and Caring Families came together beneath a starlit sky to celebrate Hāngī and Hot Pools — a vibrant, heartfelt gathering that honoured the spirit of connection, remembrance, and renewal.

With over 100 taiohi and caregiver whānau present, the evening was alive with aroha, creativity, and community. Together, we created our very own Star Wall — each star lovingly handmade by our rangatahi and caregivers. This collaborative installation became a glowing symbol of our shared journey, with each star representing the unique light every person brings to our VOYCE whānau. We took a quiet, meaningful moment to honour those we have lost, holding space for memory, grief, and gratitude beneath the guiding presence of the Matariki cluster.

Rangatahi were invited to weave friendship bracelets from nine vibrant colours, each thread representing one of the Matariki whetū. These taonga became treasured keepsakes or heartfelt gifts — tokens of connection and aroha. Under the moonlight, overlooking Oruapairoa, whānau gathered in cosy chill-out zones, enjoying peaceful moments of colouring, conversation, and reflection under the stars.

A huge mihi to Waharoa Boutique Catering, who nourished us with a delicious, soul-warming hāngī. Their kai brought everyone together around shared tables, filling our bellies and lifting our spirits. A fun and educational Matariki quiz, hosted by the incredible Kingi (Regional Youth Council Chair), added laughter and learning to the meal, with plenty of prizes and playful competition to keep things lively.

To end the evening, we made our way to He Puna Taimoana hot pools, where we soaked under the night sky. Laughter, quiet chats, and moments of reflection blended with the sound of the coastline – the perfect way to close a night filled with wairua and connection.

Hāngī and Hot Pools reminded us of the power of gathering, of creativity, of storytelling, and of shared kai. It is a time for remembering those who have gone, for celebrating the present, and for planting the seeds of hope for the year ahead. Our hearts left full, and our spirits lifted.

Mānawatia a Matariki ki a koutou katoa – May you all be blessed this Matariki.

Promise Three: Learning

Education as a gateway to dreams, rangatahi are supported to achieve aspirations.

Promise One: Care

Every tamaiti receives nurturing, protection, and provision, as any good parent would offer.

Promise Five: Voice

Tamariki and rangatahi are involved in decisions that affect them, and their voices are honoured.

Promise Four: Wellbeing

Timely, accessible, and culturally conscious health and mental health services are available to all taiohi.

Promise Two: Stability

Young people in care experience consistency, safety, and a sense of belonging.

Whānau care is where a child is being raised by someone in their whānau or extended family. Often it means a child living with their grandparents – but could also be another family member like an aunt, uncle or older sibling. Whāngai is the traditional Māori practice of whānau care.