What a wonderful evening, I just love the WEA!

Last night, we celebrated Matariki as a community, strengthening connections through waiata, kai, and kōrero.  Matariki is a time to remember those who have gone before us, celebrate the present, and look ahead with hope for the year to come.  The invitation was simple: no singing experience required, just a willingness to join in — and our community responded wholeheartedly.

We sang rousing songs like Poi E and Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi, familiar favourites that brought everyone together. As one woman commented “Oh I can’t thank you enough, what a wonderful evening, I just love the WEA”.

A highlight of the evening was Six60’s Pepeha, shared using a collaborative NZSL translation. A pepeha is a traditional Māori introduction that connects a person to their ancestral, geographical, and cultural roots, including landmarks, iwi, and whānau.

This version wove together NZSL, te reo Māori, and English, offering a dynamic and inclusive way to learn and express pepeha visually — a truly special shared learning experience.

Guided by the talented trio Deen Coulson, Mike Davey, and Kazuko Iwai, attendees were led through a selection of waiata that were both uplifting and meaningful. Their gentle guidance helped everyone feel at ease, encouraging participation and deepening understanding of the stories and traditions behind each song.

The evening was enriched by shared kai and warm conversation, offering moments to connect, reflect, and celebrate together. It was a reminder of the importance of community, especially during Matariki — a time that invites us to honour the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead with hope.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening so special, and to our wonderful facilitators for sharing their knowledge and passion.

Ngā mihi nui to all who were part of this memorable celebration.