Organisers thrilled at success of first community hangi

Over 200 people attended the Te Whai Community Trust Matariki hangi celebration held at Rose Madsen Cottage, Te Whai headquarters, on July 3, showing just how much interest there is for the new community event.

“We filled the cottage and spilled out onto the lawn, and even had to open up the gate,” said Te Whai projects manager Kiri Eriwata. “Everyone sat on the grass with their picnic blankets to eat their kai. So many people have remarked on what a beautiful event it was. True community spirit.”

Kiri says planning has already started for next year’s Matariki public holiday celebration in Mangawhai, which is supported by Northland Events.

Te Whai would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the following generous locals: Pete Milo Paraha, Phillip and Paul for the hangi; both Mangawhai Heads and Village Four Square’s for food supplies; Mangawhai Meat Shop with their donation of sausages, and both local bakeries.

Special mention goes to Mangawhai Community Garden for a job well done, Nattie Connelly-Richards and Aaron Kemp for bringing Mangawhai Beach School kapa haka roopu, and Sustainable Kaipara for setting out the intentions of the event being zero-waste.

“Would also like to thank a number of superb Te Whai Sages and staff, and all our volunteers on the day… the generosity of community members brought a real festive feel to our little cottage,” says Kiri.

PHOTOS/SUPPLIED