Puanga in Taranaki June 2020 - A Reflection

Tērā Puanga ka rewa i te pae

Nau mai, haramai, te hua o te tau hou!

Whānau across Taranaki are currently acknowledging the new year. The rising of the star Puanga (Rigel) in the east early in the morning marks the Māori new year for Taranaki tribes. It’s a special time of year to remember and give thanks to our tupuna (ancestors) and recently departed loved ones. It's also time to finish the harvest in the garden and prepare the soil and plants for the coming year.

At Parihaka, where the annual Puanga Kai Rau Festival brings people together, Puanga was seen rising above mounga Taranaki. A working bee in the community garden and food forest saw close to 100 people getting their hands in the soil. Now we await the tangi of the pīpīwharauroa (shining cuckoo) and kawekaweā (long-tailed cuckoo) who herald the return of spring and warmer temperatures.

Visit Parihaka Puanga Kai Rau Festival to find out more.