Just a few hours ago,
Ngai Tahu officially welcomed the motu,
signalling the beginning of Te Matatini.
Thousands converged on Hagley Park
to sample the unique taste of Ngai Tahu tikanga.
Soon we'll cross live to Te Matatini reporter Peata Melbourne
at Putaringamotu,
but first her report on the powhiri to the masses.
This morning 45 groups
and their supporters turned up to the Matatini powhiri.
Visitors waiting in anticipation
for a taste of Ngai Tahu welcoming ceremony not seen for 30 years.
The band kick-starting the ceremony.
Traditional Maori musical instruments were heard
as the wero group advanced.
Followed by more modern-day instruments.
By now passing locals and tourists were joining in the crowd
to watch the action.
It was then that the karanga was heard.
In true Ngai Tahu form, greenstone gifts were presented to the groups.
Then began the haka, and it was all on.
It was followed by presentations of loved ones who've passed.
None of the visitors challenged Ngai Tahu
and the ceremony ended peacefully.
Their focus now is feeding the 4000 plus visitors to end the day.
We now cross live to our Matatini correspondent Peata Melbourne.
Peata, a big welcome followed by a big hakari,
what do you make of it?
It was a special, big welcoming ceremony.
A lot of people attended the event.
Many locals came along to watch the event unfold
and it was an opportunity
for tourists as well to take some snapshots.
And so joining me now
is the author of this morning's haka powhiri, Piri Sciascia.
Tena koe Piri.
Tena koe.
First of all,
you were involved with the organisation
of this morning's haka powhiri,
can you explain to us what the meaning of the haka is
that we saw earlier?
It's quite simple,
it welcomes those who have come here to this part of the country,
to Christchurch where we have experienced a lot of earthquakes.
And it expresses our gratitude to everyone who helped us
in our time of need.
Part of the powhiri focused on the Treaty of Waitangi
and to both parties of the treaty.
The earthquakes were indiscriminate as to who was affected.
So those were some of the important parts of the haka
before finishing off with acknowledging
Nga Pakihi Whakatekateka Waitaha Cultural Council Trust.
It's been 30 years since this event was hosted by Ngai Tahu,
is this an opportunity for you to showcase your pride
in being Ngai Tahu?
Yes, I definitely think it is.
We have developed since that time.
Ngai Tahu have started the Kotahi Mano Kaika programme
to encourage people to use te reo.
Some of our own are Panekiretanga graduates.
When it comes to kapa haka,
since Te Kotahitanga and other groups like Te Ahi Komau,
Nga Manu a Tane and Te Pao a Tau it continues on.
There's the equipment itself.
The stage itself has been brought all the way from Te Arawa.
All of that is an expression of who we are as a people.
And let's not forget the food we've stockpiled.
There's oysters, muttonbirds, crayfish and other delights
which we've prepared for the manuwhiri today.
Thank you for being here and sharing your thoughts Piri Sciascia.
That was Piri Sciascia,
author for this morning's haka powhiri.
Back to you in the studio, Scotty.
Thank you Peata,
we'll catch up with you later in the bulletin.