Matariki Mahuika

The entire Napier Hastings shoreline will be set on fire on Saturday July 15 in a project organisers hope will become an annual Matariki tradition.
Called Matariki Mahuika/Home Fires, the project has won the OK from Fire and Emergency New Zealand and local councils.
It's a DIY event in all respects with people encouraged to go to the beach and either join with others or light their own fire so there are beacon fires around the sweep of the Bay from Cape Kidnappers to Tāngoio.
It is a ‘people-powered’ DIY kind of event, so not a case of ‘organised’ or ’staffed’ fires, but rather encouraging people to head to the beach from 5pm on July 15, take their fish and chips, marshmallows, guitar . . . light their fire, welcome people in and put their fire out before they go.
People are encouraged to register their intention to take part by emailing matchfitnz@gmail.com so they can be advised on best practice and potentially alerted to a postponement - in consultation with FENZ - if weather was adverse. The postponement date is July 22.
The event is really not so much about the fires themselves as it is the people standing around them: Matariki hunga nui - Matariki, the gatherer of people. It's a real opportunity for people to gather up some friends, colleagues, whanau, head to their favourite spot at the beach and, while doing their own thing, be part of something much larger – a community-wide celebration.
Organised in conjunction with Ngati Kahungunu events manager Te Rangi Huata, the night is named after Mahuika, the Goddess of fire.
Fire and Emergency NZ Hawke’s Bay Community Risk Manager Nigel Hall said “we can’t stop people burning in an open season and want people to be able to enjoy this culturally significant event in a safe way.”
Anyone considering lighting a fire should consult www.Checkitsalright.nz, he said.
All the advice and safety information is on that website but basic precautions include checking forecasted winds will not exceed 20 km/hr for the duration of the burn, not lighting more than you can manage or extinguish, ensuring material to be burnt is at least 10 metres away from other combustible material, creating a non-combustible fire break a minimum of 5 metres around your bonfire, the fire being completely extinguished once completed and wearing appropriate clothing - wear natural materials such as wool or cotton because synthetic materials can melt causing significant injuries.
And should the burn escape, call 111 immediately.
To register your interest email matchfitnz@gmail.com