This year, Whangaruru Rugby Club, a Rugby For Life Club since 2022, proudly celebrated the spirit of Matariki by hosting two beautiful community events. RFL Club Coordinator Keri Wynyard explains that our club kaupapa was about more than gathering for food or games. It was a moment to come together, give back, and honour the whenua and whānau that breathe life into our club and our community.
For us, embracing Matariki was not just about acknowledging the national holiday. It was about grounding our celebrations in the values that guide us - connection, reflection, and kaupapa that put tamariki and rangatahi at the centre. We knew this was a chance to create something powerful and rooted in mātauranga Māori, while giving back to the community that always has our backs.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to Whangārei District Council for supporting this vision. Their Puanga Matariki Festival fund provided $2,000 that enabled us to bring these events to life. It made it possible to host events that were inclusive, hands-on and deeply meaningful for all ages.
Our Matariki series began with a community hīkoi along the shores of Oakura Beach. Around 60 people gathered to walk together, share kōrero, and reflect on what Matariki means for us as individuals and as a community. The focus was tamariki-first, with beach crafts and a sandcastle competition that brought out creativity and laughter in equal measure.
The day concluded at the clubrooms with a hāngī that brought more than 100 people together for a shared meal. It was a heartfelt reminder of the strength we have when we show up for one another with open arms and shared stories.
Our second event continued the theme of giving back to Papatūānuku. More than 50 volunteers came together at Ōākura on a site that looks down over the rugby grounds. Together, we planted native trees as part of a larger vision - to regenerate and beautify our home while leaving a legacy future generations can proudly inherit.
It was the kind of day that leaves a mark for the right reasons. Hands in the soil, kōrero flowing, and community coming together in the sun. We finished around the tables at the clubrooms again, sharing kai and hot drinks while reflecting on what we had created.
Across both events, the feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. Parents spoke of how impactful it was to teach tamariki about Matariki in a hands-on, grounded way. Kaumātua shared how proud they were to see the next generation walk with intention and connect deeply with these traditions. There’s already been strong interest in making this an annual event.
The success of this year’s kaupapa has inspired us to continue hosting Matariki events for years to come. Whether or not we receive external funding in the future, the Whangaruru Rugby Club is committed to leading with heart and purpose. Community connection is at our core, and these events only strengthen our belief that when we gather with intention and respect, everybody wins.