Hundreds enjoyed Te Mata o Rehua Market held at Manukau Civic Square over the weekend. The Matariki celebration was delivered by Healthy Families South Auckland and Panuku Placemaking South.
The kaupapa of the market was to provide a health focused Matariki celebration and follows on from the success of last year’s event.
Vendors shared indigenous & ethnic kai with a healthy twist, sold Māori inspired crafts and Rongoā Māori (Māori medicine).
Lionel Hotene from Papatuanuku Kokiri Marae served up hot organic kumara chips, and supplied organic kumara which was transformed into an ethnic chickpea & kumara curry by The Food Hub.
Healthy Families South Auckland, Lead Systems Innovator, Raju Ramakrishna says, “We were able to incorporate the Hua Parakore (organic vegetables) from Papatuanuku Kokiri Marae into the curry. We had so many people come and try the dish it was amazing and we nearly sold out.”
Cultural collaborations could be seen throughout the market with Māori enterprise at the centre showcasing health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, innovation and technology.
The market was also within walking distance to the grand opening of South Auckland’s first destination playground at Hayman Park. The new playground occupies the north-east corner of the park and features a half basketball court, architectural play space, skatepark and kiosk.
Members of the youth led movement, Do Good Feel Good, occupied the kiosk and gave away free fruit smoothies which aligns with the group’s mission to promote health and wellbeing in South Auckland.
Healthy Families South Auckland, Māori Systems Innovator, Anaru Ah Kew says “The indigenous health and wellbeing centred kaupapa of Te Mata o Rehua Market is the point of difference. Māori enterprise in Manukau also sets us apart, we’ve been able to create a distinctive atmosphere that positively amplifies what Māori are doing.
For the vendors, it’s not just about selling, it’s about teaching their customers the whakapapa of the produce they are purchasing, the story behind the crafts, the upcycling, recycling and raising awareness of the importance of Papatuanuku”.
Anaru says, Te Mata o Rehua Market will be back next year and the team are already looking at ways to improve the experience.
Anaru says, There are high hopes to make this market an ongoing sustainable monthly movement, for everyone to enjoy.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better day, the sun was out and everyone I spoke with really enjoyed the point of difference of the market, that being, indigenous Māori at the centre, I would love to see this evolve into a regular monthly event.”
