In 2023 we changed the name of our annual celebration, Ohu Maatu, to Te Mātū. Our new tohu for our annual celebration represents the forest of Te Mātū that provides sustenance for the Iwi. Our tūpuna moved into the area of Te Mātū because of its high productivity and actively protected the forest as taonga for generations to come.

Te Mātū 2025

On the weekend of 25-27 April 2025 the descendants of the Whakarewa will gather to celebrate in your homelands in Motueka. We would like all whānau whānui o Ngāti Rārua me Te Ātiawa ki Motueka to join us on this special weekend of reconnecting and learning. The most important part of the weekend is the Hui-ā-Tau which will be held on Saturday 26 April starting at 9.00am. Please note the venue for the Hui-ā-Tau is Motueka High School Hall, Whakarewa Street.

This weekend includes time for whanaungatanga, a bus tour to sites of significance, or trip on the Waka Taurua (double hull).

This year our tamariki programme will include a Waka Taurua (double hull) trip for our tamariki aged 5 and over, during the Hui-ā-Tau. Tamariki under 5 program will be based at Te Mātū.

Ohu Maatu 2015

Ohu Maatu 2014