The Māruawai Matariki Celebration 2024, held on Friday 28th June at the Southern Field Days site in Waimamu, was a vibrant and memorable community event that brought together thousands of people from across the district to celebrate Matariki. A key factor in making the event accessible and enjoyable for families was the generous funding provided by the Hokonui Hauora Fund, which supported activities such as free face painting and the distribution of apples to tamariki.

With the support of this funding, children were able to have their faces painted at no cost, allowing them to enjoy a fun and creative experience without any financial barriers. In addition to the face painting, each child who participated also received a free apple—a sweet and healthy treat to enjoy as part of the festivities.

The celebration also featured an impressive lineup of performances, including kapa haka groups, dance troupes, bands, and duets, all showcasing the incredible talent of local community groups, primary schools, and colleges from across the district. These performances created a lively atmosphere and provided an opportunity for attendees to connect with and appreciate the cultural richness of the region.

With no entry fees, the Māruawai Matariki Celebration was a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, celebrate Māori culture, support local talent, and enjoy a day filled with community spirit and fun.