Ngā uri o Mataatua showed up in full force on Friday, as Te Tōpūtanga o Te Puna Ora o Mataatua and Rehua Medical celebrated the Kōpeopeo Street Party.
The free whānau event took place on King Street and featured entertainment and activities for all ages, kai, mirimiri, local musicians serving up soulful sounds and more.
Whakatāne Intermediate tauira Jarra, Tyrese, Mahinarangi, Kim and Marara were some of many who attended.
Fresh out of another week at kura these rangatahi enjoyed free Tā Moko Face Paintings in our Whānau Ora Zone, as well as heaps of reka kai and free live entertainment on offer, including a performance from Te Roopu Kapa Haka o Te Kura o Paroa.
Ngāti Pūkeko me Ngāti Awa uri Bodhi-Moon, supported by her Dad Quinn, enjoyed getting glammed up at our Tamariki Face painting stall.
Quinn described himself as being “local as the breeze” and said that joining in on the Kōpeopeo Street Party was a no-brainer.
Proudly representing Te Kura o Te Teko, Ketana, Connor and Andy shared similar sentiments.
Andy told us how whānau markets are one of their favourite ways to spend quality time together, and for him, a particular highlight of the Kōpeopeo Street Party was getting to enjoy the ataahua waiata of Shelley Akuhata.
It was the same soulful anthems from Shelley that pulled Gabby and Mikaea away from their Friday night errands.
The pair were on a quick dash to te toa when they heard all the commotion happening down the street.
Venturing down the street, Gabby says they were excited to find lots of kai and entertainment on offer, there were even Tik Tok dances to be learned by everyone’s favourite Aunty and Uncle duo, MC’s Awhina Kurei and Raymond White.
Coinciding with Te Puna Ora o Mataatua’s 30th birthday, and the formal public opening of Kōpeopeo’s new state-of-the-art medical centre, Rehua Medical, the Kōpeopeo Street Party was a true celebration of Mataatua Uri and we thank everyone who came to celebrate!