Tamahere School will celebrate Matariki, the Maori New Year, next week with students joining together in their hapu groups to prepare and enjoy food, some from the school’s own maara kai (vegetable garden).

Meanwhile, the Waikato District Council is supporting a variety of events across the district to mark Matariki, between June 25 and July 3.

The largest is the seventh Matariki Festival hosted by Te Whare Toi o Ngaruawahia – Twin Rivers Community Art Centre.

Got a way with words? Love to draw? Waikato district libraries are welcoming entries to the Waikato District Matariki Short Story/Comic Competition from next week.

The competition is part of the second annual Waikato District Matariki Festival and is an opportunity for residents to celebrate Matariki (Maori New Year) by taking part in something fun and creative.

Whether you fancy yourself as an author, an artist or both – there’s a category for everyone to enter.

Tamahere’s part in a district-wide celebration of Matariki will be played out at Saturday’s Tamahere Market.

Matariki, or the Maori New Year, is being celebrated with a range of activities throughout the Waikato and will be especially warming at the June 15 market where a serving of hangi food will mark the occasion.

Also adding to the new faces at the market will be a new stall offering cupcakes and another with chocolate.