Toi Tangata recently came together at Te Pā o Waiwhetū to support the local community in a wānanga exploring the five ritenga of Ngā Pou o te Tau. Held alongside Hautuku, this wānanga was the start of a kaupapa to help whānau grow their understanding and confidence to lead Puanga ceremonies themselves in the future. 

Over 60 whānau and rangatahi showed up to be part of this kaupapa. This kaupapa was not just about learning the ceremony, it was also about understanding how the Maramataka and Ngā Pou o te Tau can guide communities in looking after their own wellbeing and collective aspirations.

Hautuku is a special ceremony and the first of the five ritenga. It happens in the evenings during the big moon phases of Ōturu-Oike, near the end of the lunar year. This is the time to farewell loved ones who passed away during the year. Their names are placed on Te Whata nā Maru, (the constellation of Takurua, Puanga, Tautoru and Putara), and they are sent with aroha to Te Tatau-o-te-Pō where Ruakipōuri carries them to the net of Taramainuku. This is a moment to let go, reflect on the year that has been, and prepare ourselves for the year ahead.

We had the privilege of hearing from Ngatai Taepa; his kōrero helped participants understand Hautuku at a deeper level. Other facilitators made it clear that they weren’t there as experts, but as whānau wanting to share what they’d learnt. They also acknowledged the beautiful teachings of Che Wilson, Ngatai, and Kura Moeahu, who have helped shape this kaupapa.

After the kōrero, everyone gathered together to take part in the Hautuku ceremony. It was peaceful, moving, and felt right. Kawakawa leaves were placed into the ahi as a silent offering of gratitude, grief and surrender. Once done, everyone came back together for kai, kōrero and connection. 

This is just the beginning for the whānau of Waiwhetu. Over the next two years, they hope to grow more of their whānau into leaders of these beautiful kaupapa.

“It’s about reconnecting with who we are, making space for our mātauranga, and lifting up the wellbeing of our people through ceremony, time together, and shared knowledge.” -Tautoko Ratu