The inaugural Ngutukākā Festival, held from 18 to 21 September 2024, was a resounding success, celebrating the Tairāwhiti Ngutukākā in bloom and reconnecting communities with this endangered taonga plant. Across the stunning East Coast of Te Ika-a-Māui, the festival drew passionate manuhiri (visitors) and local whānau who share a love for the restoration of te taiao and this once abundant flower.
The festival included guided tours of endangered species gardens, local kai, and a very special opportunity to witness the first sunrise at Tikapa Marae. It was a time of shared knowledge and rekindled passion for the protection and restoration of our ngahere.
Over the course of three days, festival attendees embarked on an unforgettable and unique journey which included visiting some of the most impressive ngutukākā sites along the coast, learning about the history and cultural significance of these plants, and sharing in the joy of nurturing their return to the whenua.
Some visitors experienced marae life for the first time, making it a deeply memorable experience.
Visitors came from as far north as Okaihau and as far south as Christchurch, bringing together people from all walks of life—medical doctors, nurses, teachers, artists, photographers, Red Cross workers, conservationists, missionaries, and nursery owners, all united by their love for the treasured ngutukākā.
The festival also provided a significant economic boost to small businesses in the region. Local Airbnb hosts saw a surge in bookings, while whānau catering businesses from three marae—Tikapa, Hauiti, and Hinetamatea—welcomed and fed manuhiri throughout the event, culminating in a delicious hāngi on the final night.
Café 35 in Tokomaru Bay, known for its famous paua pies, sold out when a busload of festival-goers arrived, despite being forewarned to prepare extra stock! Tokomaru Four Square also had a bustling day, selling SH35 merchandise to visitors. Even Go Bus and their driver thoroughly enjoyed transporting the manuhiri across the rohe, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Graeme Atkins, Kaihautū (Environmental Science Director) for the Tairāwhiti Ngutukākā project, was thrilled with the engagement and enthusiasm.
“Seeing the dedication of our manuhiri to learning about this endangered plant gives me hope for the future of ngutukākā. The festival has helped us take another step toward restoring our precious species and other endangered plants.”
From plantings to listening to locals recount the seeds’ journey from the Kew Gardens in England back home, the festival wove together stories of resilience and restoration.
Mere Tamanui, Poutaki Tāuteutetanga (Education & Community Engagement Manager, Ngāti Porou), emphasised the importance of connecting people and place.
“Bringing together our people and visitors to learn and share mātauranga Māori ensures the survival of not only ngutukākā but also our connection to te taiao (the natural world). It has been an inspiring journey, and I look forward to more festivals like this.”
A highlight of the festival included a visit to Mangatuna Kura, where manuhiri met tamariki who have been nurturing ngutukākā from kākano (seeds) to fully grown plants. The young guardians proudly shared their work, showcasing the next generation’s commitment to preserving this native plant. Their dedication left a lasting impression on everyone involved, exemplifying the power of intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Stranded in Paradise Ecolodge in Tokomaru Bay, which boasts an impressive ngutukākā garden, proved to be a must-visit for local gardening enthusiasts, further contributing to the success of the event.
The festival also featured a market in Uawa on Saturday, where tauira showcased their artworks in a special Ngutukākā Arts Competition. It was heartening to see so many tamariki participating, excitedly submitting their creations and demonstrating the potential of the next generation to lead in the taiao restoration space.
“All morning tamariki were walking up with their art works, asking if this was the ngutukākā competition” says Graeme. “It was so cool to see. There are some sharp minds and talents in the upcoming generation in the taiao restoration space.”
As we gathered to share kai, korero and one last planting at Anaura Bay, the beauty and potential to restore Tairāwhiti Ngutukākā reminded everyone of what is possible when people come together with a shared vision to restore te taiao and Aotearoa’s native environment.
Thank you to everyone who came and all those who have supported this first ever Ngutukākā event, from growers, to volunteers and especially our funders Trust Tairawhiti, Sunrise Foundation, East and Central Community Trust, Trees That Count, Bay Trust - we cannot do it without you.
You can join and support our project here: https://www.tairawhitingutukaka.nz/tautoko