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Puanga Ceremonies

Ngā Ritenga

There are a number of ritenga (ceremonies) that the iwi of Te Taiuru are focusing on over the next few years. It is hoped that these ritenga will help us reconnect to the environment and the natural rhythms of nature.  These ritenga also provide a format for whānau to revive other ceremonies and rites of passage over time.

Ngā Pou o te Tau
– Ceremonies throughout the Year

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There are two Puanga ritenga and a Spring, Summer and Autumn harvest ceremony. Here’s a basic summary of these ceremonies:

Photo taken by Richie Mills during a Te Tai o Rongo wānanga.

Te Maru
o te Tau

Puanga Ritenga

This ritenga is a Hau Tuku ceremony that is conducted at sunset and focuses on:

  • sending the departed to Te Whata nā maru (Platform of Maru) in the west sky;

  • releasing any challenges from the past year; and

  • starting the winter wānanga over the Pō Roa o Takurua – the Long Nights of Winter.

With the support of Te Aka Whai Ora, we offer Ngā Kaupeka o te Tau – a series of wānanga that share more information about these ceremonies. Uri and whānau of Te Tai Hauāuru are encouraged to attend to learn more about this kaupapa.

Te Tahi
o te Tau

Puanga Ritenga

This ritenga is a Hautapu ceremony that is conducted at predawn and focuses on:

  • acknowledging the transition of the departed to become guiding stars in our lives;

  • welcoming the new year and being grateful for the new year; and

  • affirming our commitment to our ancestors, the environment and the future

Te Matamata
o te Tau

Spring Ritenga

The spring ritenga is Te Matamata o te Tau. This ritenga is a Hau Pawa ceremony and focuses on sending aspiration and welcoming growth by:

  • lighting a fire to offer up shoots of new growth; and

  • sending aspirations and learning from the winter wānanga to the heavens to be affirmed by the tūpuna.

 

At the conclusion of this ritenga, the ash from the fire is mixed into the garden in preparation for planting.  The ritenga also calls the whitebait and other fish back inland as a sign of the return of Hineraumati (summer maiden) from out in the sea back ashore.

Te Matiti
o te Tau

Summer Ritenga

The summer ritenga is Te Matiti o te Tau. This ritenga is a Hau Ora ceremony and focuses on:

  • celebrating the abundance of the spring and summer crops;

  • acknowledging Rehua and his connection to Tamanuiterā (the sun); and

  • gives a chance for you to assess how much extra work will be required to prepare for winter.

Te Huatahi
o te Tau

Autumn Ritenga

The autumn ritenga is Te Huatahi o te Tau.  This ritenga is focused on the autumn Hauhake (harvest) and is known as the Hau Rongo. It focuses on:

  • acknowledging the kūmara harvest; and

  • storing food prior to winter.

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