Love Our Awa day - Matanginui

Love Our Awa – Matanginui Community Day

Saturday 31 October | 10am–1pm
Matanginui Pā, Okaihau Road, Waimārama
Free community event – everyone welcome!

Have you ever been to the top of Matanginui?

Here’s your chance to explore a special part of Waimārama that very few people have had the opportunity to visit!

Join us for a unique community day on Matanginui maunga, privately owned by the Tiakitai Whānau. With permission from the landowners, we’ll be heading up the maunga to discover its special places, hear its stories, and enjoy the views across the surrounding whenua.

Hear the stories of our whenua

Bayden Barber, a member of Tiakitai whānau, will share pūrākau and kōrero about Matanginui, the awa and the spring that flows from within the maunga. These waterways have connections to the wider community, including the Hastings District Council’s water storage programme.

Explore the whenua

Come along on a guided hīkoi up the maunga, and learn the landmarks and stories that connect the land, water and people of Waimārama.

Learn how to care for our native plantings

The Waingōngoro Awa Restoration Project has been restoring native vegetation across the area. Learn how to recognise healthy plants, care for young plantings and identify signs that plants may need some help.

Test your native species knowledge

Take part in our native species plant bingo. See how many species you can recognise, enjoy some friendly competition and have a chance to win prizes!

Kai and community

We’ll finish with a delicious BBQ lunch and time to connect with whānau, friends and the wider community.

Event details

• When: Saturday 31 October, 10am–1pm

• Where: Matanginui Pā, Okaihau Road, Waimārama

• Entry: Enter through the Matanginui farm gate, approximately 400 metres up from 180 Okaihau Road.

• Cost: Free, including lunch and activities.

• Who: Everyone is welcome – bring your whānau and friends!

Please wear comfortable walking shoes / boots and clothing suitable for being outdoors on uneven farm and hillside terrain with lots of bushy prickles, and a water bottle (refills and cups available).

This event is funded by Hastings District Council through its community grant scheme.

Come and discover a special part of our local whenua, learn more about the connection between our maunga and waterways, and celebrate the work being done to care for our environment.

We look forward to seeing you there!