Sharing aroha during Matariki

There were  a lot of smiles, laughter and singing at the Wintec Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae kitchen last Wednesday when a group of volunteers spent the afternoon preparing dinner for the men and women dining at Hamilton’s night shelters that evening.

The night may have been dark and cold but warmth of the gesture was matched in the menu. Hamilton’s night shelter diners started with pumpkin soup served with bread rolls and butter followed by roast chicken, potatoes, pumpkin and kumara, minted peas, stuffing, gravy, macaroni cheese and a green salad. Dessert included apple crumble, custard and cream and the meal was completed with chocolate brownie,  cheeses and after dinner mints, tea, coffee, juice and hot chocolate.

Wintec project coordinator Māori Achievement Maria Huata said the wairua of working together for a good cause was uplifting and awesome.

"The feedback we received from both shelters was very positive and they were all so grateful for the beautiful dinner we all helped to prepare and cook."

The team of Wintec staff volunteers delivered  dinner to around 40 people at Hamilton’s night shelters, sung waiata and blessed the food in the true spirit of Matariki.

Night shelter manager Peter Humphrey confirmed he got "fantastic feedback from the guests at both shelters" and thanked the Wintec team for "giving our guests a taste of Matariki".

The dinner was part of a series of events at Wintec for Matariki also known as the season of food or kai and a time to share with each other. The Wintec theme for Matariki this year is 'mō te pouaru, te pani me te rawakore', which translates to caring for those in need.

 Kai is central to hospitality for Māori and the act of sharing a meal has a special significance during the Māori new year. Traditionally, Matariki signals a change in season when the kumara is planted, crops are harvested, preserved food is plentiful and the fish are swimming. Sharing kai is always important for Māori and Matariki is a special time to share occasions with the wider community.