Balaclava School has had to cancel its twice-yearly hangi for the past nine years because of bad weather.
In the past the school had relied on a kai cooker for the hangi.
However, this year parent Paul Kepa agreed to help organise the hangi and the weather was not an issue.
Twelve helpers — including six fathers of pupils from the school — dug a hole for the hangi and prepped the food with the help of the school’s kapa haka group.
feed about 350 people, including about 250 pupils, their whanau and the
school’s wider community.
Mr Kepa said the school hosting the hangi was all about connection.
"We wanted to have something that brings people together.
"That’s what Matariki means for me. We light a fire, people will come.
"Those are the things I’ve been taught from my kaumatua."
A Niuean and Samoan family from Bradford School organised an umu (a Samoan above-ground cooking method) to celebrate Matariki as well.
Principal Emma Knopp said parent Kalani Malae guided senior Maori pupils to prep and cook food for about 140 plates.
