"For us it's coming together as a whānau and just reflecting about what has happened over the year."
The year has drawn to a close and another is beginning with the rising of Matariki.
Kaiako, tamariki and whānau of Te Kura-ā-Rito o Newton gathered on Thursday morning to mark the Māori New Year with karakia and waiata for those who have passed, umu kohukohu whetū to feed the stars, and a hākari parakuihi to close off the ceremony - gathering together to share kai, and look towards their hopes and dreams for the year ahead.