Publicity Release Thursday May 28 2009 Matariki – A Stellar Time To Celebrate – On Maori Television Some of this country’s best-loved musicians have
joined forces with international chef Peter Gordon to celebrate Matariki – the Maori New Year – with a spectacular concert and feast. The event they created, held at Turangawaewae Marae with the blessing of Kingi Tuheitia, has been captured in a two-part series that marks this special time of year, in MATARIKI AHUNGA NUI, and MATARIKI HUNGA NUI, and will screen on Maori Television on June 28 and July 5 at 8.00 PM. Drawing around 700 guests, and billed as the biggest gourmet hangi in Aotearoa, the event features a stellar line up of musicians, including Dave Dobbyn, Boh Runga, Nesian Mystic, Moana Maniapoto and the Tribe, Tama Waipara, Maisey Rika, Whirimako Black and Pania Papa, with the talented Matai Smith on hosting duties. Meanwhile, the marae kitchen – already renowned for its ability to put on a great spread for the multitudes – is in the hands of ex-pat chef Peter Gordon, his task: to spice up the traditional hangi fare with contemporary gourmet flavours. “The focus has been to put on a really good show, and to raise up the profile of Matariki as an event,” says Hinewehi Mohi, whose involvement in the event has been three-fold. Mohi performs, produces the programme, and represents the event’s official charity – the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre.
“It has come together really well, and I was really overwhelmed by people’s aroha and support.”