Matariki @ MERC with Te Pā 2025

We are excited to again collaborate with Te Pā for Matariki this year!

In line with the traditions of Matariki, take some time out for you and your family this Matariki weekend and join us in a celebration of Matariki, the MERC and Te Pā way!  Learn about the celebration of Matariki and this years theme of Puanga, engage in recreational activities relating to the different stars of Matariki, and gain a greater sense of community with this family camp experience.  You'll take part in the celebrations learning karakia and waiata for our Hautapu ceremony with a hāngī for a dawn viewing of Matariki.

This is a full weekend experience^ with space for you to participate in all activities throughout. Open to all ages, backgrounds and levels of understanding. Includes seaside accommodation and meals. 

What activities to expect:

Friday 10:45am-9pm.

Lunch provided, BRING meal for Potluck Dinner

• Be welcomed onsite with a Whakatau

• Introduction to Matariki korero/presentation

• Get to know each other and connect via Whakawhanaungatanga

• Participate in fire making, shelter building and set an eel trap

• Play Matariki-themed games and contribute to a potluck dinner

Saturday 7am - 9pm.

All meals provided

• After breakfast, check eel trap, beach hikoi/walk and learn Kapa Haka

• After morning tea, connect to the star Waitā, with an ocean water activity (craft decided by conditions)

• After lunch, connect with the star Tupuārangi, via high ropes activity (Giants Ladder, Stack em, or Climbing)

• Set a goal or make a wish to the star, Hiwa-i-ti-rangi

• Welcome SATURDAY NIGHT ONLY participants onsite with a mihi mihi

• Sunset swim, hāngī prep.

• After dinner, learn about the star Pohutakawa via korero/presentation and practice waiata/songs

Sunday 5am-11:00am.

Hāngī Provided.

• Wake before first light to view matariki, remember those who have passed and feed the stars with steam from the umu. Sing waiata around a fire until sun rises

• Enjoy fresh hāngī for breakfast then give back with tree planting

^#SATURDAY NIGHT ONLY, TICKET OPTION#

Can't commit to the whole weekend? Arrive Saturday 21st June 4pm to learn waiata/songs and tikanga/protocol ready for Sunday morning. Stay overnight in our seaside accommodation and wake at dawn to participate in a Hautapu Ceremony. View the Matariki constellation, remember those who have passed, eat hāngī and finish the weekend by giving back with tree planting. Event finishes 11:00am Sunday 22nd June. Dinner and hāngī provided

*Disclaimer 

Please arrive 15 minutes before your booking time

All activities are weather dependent and activities may change subject to the weather.

Any Child under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Those 16+ can attend by themselves. 

Upon check out please make sure you have completed the below forms for each participant:

Risk disclosure (for each participant):
https://Marine_Education_Recreation_Centre.formstack.com/forms/merc_risk_disclosure_matariki_at_merc_2025

Medical disclosure (for each participant):

https://Marine_Education_Recreation_Centre.formstack.com/forms/critical_medical_behavior_information_matariki_2025