As the fires are rekindled, so too are our connections to our tūpuna, our whenua, our awa, and the stars above.

E te iwi, e ngā whānau, nau mai, haere mai ki Puanga ki Pūtiki 2026, as ngā hāpori o Te Awa Tupua gather before dawn to welcome the rising of Puanga and the beginning of the New Year.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Te Taenga Mai o te Ahi

Witness the arrival of the sacred ahi from Whakaniwha, carried by waka along Te Awa Tupua and brought onto the marae in a ceremony that acknowledges the enduring fires of occupation and the unbroken whakapapa connections between our people, our maunga, our awa, and the heavens above.

Hau Tapu

Led by the tamariki of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Atihaunui-a Paparangi, this sacred dawn observance acknowledges ngā whetū, the elements, and the rising of Puanga and Matariki.

Mahu – A Ceremony of Release

All are invited to participate in a moment of reflection and renewal. Bring your thoughts, your hopes, and your intentions for the year ahead as we release the burdens of the past year together.

Kai Hākari

Following the closing karakia, everyone is warmly invited into Aotea for breakfast and fellowship.

On Arrival

At 5:45 am, please gather in one location only:

• Car Park (river end beside the waka shed) to witness the waka bringing in the ahi.

• Marae Ātea – to participate directly in the welcoming of the ahi onto the marae.

For safety and tikanga, please remain in your chosen location until guided by our hosts.

Bring warm clothing, a torch, and your whānau.