Matariki celebrated at Cornwall Park District School1 min read

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In June, over 250 Cornwall Park District School students, staff and families braved the chilly conditions on the school field at dawn to bring in the 2022 Māori New Year.

Matariki has been a significant event in the school for many years, and this year those assembled listened to the haunting putaratara blown by three Dilworth students, joined in singing waiata and were moved by the beautiful folk song sung by CPDS teacher, Hannah Wynne. After the official ceremony, led by Matua Rudolph, everyone moved into the hall and were welcomed by a Kapa Haka group performance.

They then shared kai with cereal, hot sausages, porridge, and warm beverages. After our breakfast, Ted Wilson, a 96 year-old  past pupil from 1933-1940, donated and planted a titoki tree in honour of the school’s Centenary Celebrations which were sadly cancelled in 2021 due to Covid-19.