10th Anniversary of the reopening of Huirapa & Maririhau

On the 5th of November, we celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the reopening of Huirapa & Maririhau, which was held at Puketeraki Marae in Karitane. It was a fun-filled and eventful day, starting with a waka ama open day on the Karitane foreshore. Adults and children alike were there to give it a go, though the weather forecast was miserable, with predicted high winds and rain. The water was calm and the sun was shining (most of the time). Children as young as 5 were seen enthusiastically paddling around the estuary. We were in good company with Matahi Brightwell, champion waka ama competitor and master carver there to give us the benefit of his experience and expertise. Paddling was followed by an afternoon BBQ.

Whanau were invited to have thier photos taken at the entranceway to the marae at 5pm and by 5.30pm an array of local seafood and other delights were served to guests. Shortly after 6pm we were delighted to hear Matahi talk about his life, his love of waka ama, as well as some hilarious, and at times, sad, stories about his whanau and upbringing. A sumptuous dinner was served at 7.30pm and the event was enlivened by several impromptu waiatas. 

The dinner was followed by fireworks for tamariki at the Karitane Hall and a dance for the adults, who were entertained by our very own Suzanne and Mat Ellison, and their jazz/blues/rock and roll band, The Coast Roaders. What a fantastic end to a wonderful, spirit filled day.