Community Stories

The EnviroWorks Hikurangi Premier Women’s Team have delivered a season our community will remember for years. After more than two decades without a women’s side, this group stepped onto the field with courage, pride, and a determination to rebuild pathways for future players. Their debut year brought fresh energy into the clubrooms, strong connections across the community, and outstanding achievements including multiple Kauri squad selections. This is the story of the season

Hika‑Riki 2026 brought sunshine, strong performances and a real sense of community to Hikurangi. Tamariki from ten kura took the stage, supported by proud whānau and kaumātua, creating a day full of heart, kai and celebration. It was the perfect way to wrap up Term 2 and send our kids into the holidays on a high.

Hikurangi School celebrates Matariki through Hika‑Riki, a community event that brings tamariki, whānau and local schools together for kapa haka, Pasifika performance and shared kai. It’s a day built around connection, culture and giving our tamariki the chance to shine.

We sat down with sisters Dale van Engelen and Ngaire Anne Shelford from the Whakapara Marae to talk about Puanga, Matariki and the maramataka, and what these traditions mean for them and their whānau in Te Tai Tokerau. Their kōrero explores tikanga, whakapapa and the deep connection between wellbeing, whenua and the Māori New Year.

The Museum team has been sorting, restoring, cataloguing, and reorganising parts of the collection to create a clearer narrative of Hikurangi within its displays. The museum hopes this will prove more useful for school groups, researchers, and families.