MATARIKI, Maori New Year, was celebrated at the old Mandurah Yacht Club on Sunday, to raise money for a local breast cancer support group.
The event raised money for the Mandurah Angels – who run under Breast Cancer Care Western Australia – while marking the important date on the Maori calendar.
Organiser Jane Nikora said while the funds raised were yet to be counted, she expected it to be well in to the thousands of dollars.
“I started with the Mandurah Angels when I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Ms Nikora said.
“And my aunty, Diana Synes and some of her friends came to speak with the Mandurah Angels a few weeks ago.
“The group of ladies were so touched by the Mandurah Angels, they wanted to help out.
“This time of year for Maori people is when we’ve been able to harvest crops and we celebrate our achievements.
“We wanted to give Mandurah a cultural experience which raising money at the same time.”
The day started with a formal welcome, which had local Aboriginal and Maori people incorporate both cultures, before cultural performances from the Wairua Tipuna Kapa Haka group.
“[Local Aboriginal identity] Theo Kearing did the Welcome to Country and said it was a pleasure to walk alongside what he considers to be his new family, the Maori people,” Ms Nikora said.
“The event brought people together.
“During the formal welcome we had men and women in tears.
“For some it was a new experience and for others it was a chance to reconnect with the beautiful elements of our culture.”
