25/07/2025
Beach Festival — Pātea 2026
The Patea Beach Festival is a community-led celebration that brings together whānau, friends, and visitors to honour the Māori New Year through connection, remembrance, and cultural expression. It is a time to reflect on those who have passed, celebrate the present with kai, music, and art, and inspire our rangatahi to dream boldly for the future.
Through workshops, performances, and shared traditions, we aim to uphold the sacred practices of our tūpuna, strengthen community wellbeing, and empower the next generation to carry our mātauranga Māori forward.
Food and Kai Stalls (near beach entrance — goal: minimum six different stalls):
Venison Burgers & BBQ Station
Marika Laupama’s Epic Seafood Boils
Hera and Dad’s Fried Bread & Mussel Chowder
Fern’s Waka Kai Truck
Pātea Hāngi Shop
Māori Arts and Crafts Marquees:
Tinorangatiratanga Canvas Painting
Mahi Poi (poi-making) and Mau Rākau (traditional weaponry) Workshops
Rangatahi (Teenagers) Marquee:
Workshops teaching manifestation, positive frequency, visualising dreams and aspirations, understanding star alignments, and following your true heart’s desires.
Whānau Activities:
Face painting: Wash-off Moko Kauae and Mataora designs (by Poihakena Portraits) — Whānau photo deal $50.
Poi and Mau Rākau workshops at opposite sides of the beach entrance.
Main Stage (at Pātea Surf Club):
3:00 PM – Te Kura Kaupapa o Ngāti Ruanui performance
3:30 PM – Paepae o Aotea
4:00 PM – Parara ki te Uru
4:30 PM – Nga Waihotanga (Matatini full bracket)
Evening Itinerary:
5:00 PM – Hāngi delivery
5:30 PM – Karakia for Hākari (shared meal to honour Matariki)
6:00 PM – Matariki Memorial Ceremony (Speaker: Darren Ngarewa)
7:00 PM – Poroporoaki: Each whānau will honour kawemate (deceased loved ones) with a eulogy, waiata, or song choice (2 hours total, 15 mins per whānau).
8:00 PM – Slideshow presentation of kawemate (projector setup)
8:30 PM – Māori formalities (Karanga, karakia, ancient prayers).
Draft idea
