Wellington business joins Mayor’s call to share Matariki cheer

A Wellington business whose name is synonymous with the city’s coffee scene has joined Wellington Mayor Justin Lester’s campaign to #sharetheahi in the lead up to tomorrow’s Ahi Kā celebrations on Wellington’s waterfront.

As part of the city’s Matariki celebrations, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor Jill Day have put out a public call to ‘share the ahi (warmth/fire)’ during the winter season. The call to action references Ahi Kā, or the ‘home fire’, that is traditionally the site of sharing warmth, food, and stories during the Matariki period.

“It’s winter time and we’re celebrating this very New Zealand festival that centres around food, fire and whanau, and the reality is that many people in Wellington may not have the things they need to get through the colder months,” says the Mayor.

“It’s a good time to stop and take stock of the community around us, and see if there’s a little bit we might be able to share.”

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor have chosen Te Whare Rokiroki Māori Women’s Refuge as a recipient, with each of their respective families putting together ‘ahi kā’ packages for the local charity.

Havana Coffee has joined the call too, with the central city coffee roaster donating necessities, including coffee, to Te Whare Rokiroki.

“Matariki is about family, but not all families can be united as they might like. This way we can support mothers and help give them and their children some comfort,” says Havana’s Miriam Ramos. “We’d encourage other businesses to donate what they can to a good cause. It doesn’t take much but it can make all the difference to those receiving it.”

Wellington City Council is getting in behind #sharetheahi, and staff are donating goods to local causes around Wellington.

Deputy Mayor Day and her family have managed to fill a large box of donations for Te Whare Rokiroki.

“My children are really into this project. It’s a fantastic way to get the younger ones thinking about those less well-off this winter, and what might give them a bit of a lift,” she says.

Ahi Kā Event

The Mayor is also encouraging people to get down to the waterfront on Friday evening for Council’s inaugural Ahi Kā celebrations.

“We’ve been working on this for a couple of years. In time it’s going to build into a must-do on the Wellington calendar.

“More and more individuals, businesses, organisations and families are celebrating Matariki this year in their own special way. It’s only going to grow in years to come.”

Notes for media

• Ahi Kā kicks-off on Friday at 6pm with the opening procession Nga Wai Piāta (Streams of Light) featuring children from seven regional schools. This procession will light the fire on the water and will be burning until the end of the event at 10pm.

• Activities and food trucks can be found along the Waterfront after the opening ceremony. Māori performers and storytellers can be found on stages around Whairepo Lagoon and Odlins Plaza.

• Remember to bring extra layers as the weather will get colder as the night goes on. Mai FM 100.5 will also broadcast the event live onsite.

• Due to the popularity of this event, we recommend taking public transport. Metlink are providing additional services on Kapiti, Hutt Valley and Johnsonville lines after 9.30pm for the public’s convenience.

ENDS

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