MC Karen Bishop on stage with a customer-made Matariki waka. PHOTO'S: SIGRID CHRISTIANSEN
A MATARIKI night market saw Kāwhia buzzing with people and music on Friday July 14.
Organiser Kelly Isherwood, from Waipapa marae, said the event was “awesome, a beautiful afternoon and evening.
“What else? It was for me, for Māoridom, that we can showcase such an auspicious occasion.”
About 200 people attended: holidaymakers as well as locals enjoyed the stalls, music and kai.
Stallholders included the Kāwhia branch of the Māori Women’s Welfare League, who connected with the community about health and wellbeing.
The night market may not happen again – it may be replaced by a kaumātua ball, to acknowledge the older people’s hard work through the years.
Kelly was grateful to other organisers such as Waiapapa Marae trustee chairperson Catherine Holland, who provided “huge support for the kaupapa,” especially with fundraising; and Hone Edwards, who was responsible for the event communications.
