Celebrating Whanaungatanga at Opeke Marae: Highlights from the 2025 Possum Blast
- jasonkurei
- Sep 21
- 3 min read
From June 19 to 21, 2025, Opeke Marae became a hub of activity, crack-ups, and learning as whānau gathered for the annual Possum Blast. A kaupapa that blends pest control with cultural connection, family time, and environmental stewardship that is kaitiakitanga.
The Reason We Gathered
For many, it was the kaupapa, protecting the ngahere and teaching tamariki about kaitiakitanga, that drew them in. Others came for the buzz, others to see their kids thrive, laugh, and share stories of their adventures in the bush. The event was a celebration of whanaungatanga, kotahitanga, and the power of community.
“Definitely the kaupapa. The buzz was seeing all our tamariki mokopuna tell stories of their nights and all the fun they had.”
“He mahi tiaki i tō tātou ngahere… Kia mōhio ngā tamariki mokopuna ki te patu i ngā mea tūkinotia i tō tātou taiao.”
The atmosphere was buzzing, filled with excitement as koros, nannies, dads, mums, uncles, and aunties got themselves ready to have fun with the tamariki, mokopuna.
Unforgettable Highlights from the Weekend
The Facebook group leading up to the event was alive with updates, coordination, and excitement. But it was the moments on the ground that truly stuck with people:
Smiles on tamariki faces as they weighed in their possums
Shared kai and prize-giving, bringing joy and recognition
Whānau working together, from rangatahi to kaumātua
Entertainment and storytelling, strengthening bonds
“Te hari me te koa o ngā tamariki mokopuna i te wā o roto i te ngahere.”
“Our whānau who always go over and beyond for our Marae/Hapū and our tamariki mokopuna.”
These highlights encapsulated the spirit of the event, showcasing the importance of community and the joy derived from shared experiences.
Laughter and Real Talk
The bush brought plenty of surprises and laughs. The weekend was filled with light-hearted moments that reminded everyone to enjoy the experience:
Some whānau were overly confident but managed to smile through their errors.
Saw the deer, aimed the torch.
Our age and bodies are not what they used to be.
“Watching a Samoan think he knows what he's doing, but he didn't actually know 😂”
“The kids wanted to shoot the deer when we spotted it in the thermal; we just didn’t have the right equipment.”
“After such a long break, I was too unfit to squeeze through all the bush 😂😂”
These funny stories not only brought laughter but also highlighted the camaraderie and the shared experiences that made the event unforgettable.
Emphasizing Kaitiakitanga
At the core of the Possum Blast is the commitment to kaitiakitanga. This event serves as an educational platform for younger generations about the significance of caring for the environment. Participants learned how pests harm the ngahere and how they can make a difference in protecting the natural beauty of Aotearoa.
We even took the chance to have our opinion on some of the political kaupapa that not only challenges our Ao Māori, but our taiao as well. So we had quite a few of us speak our minds and let the Kāwana know.
The hands-on activities involving pest control empower tamariki and instill a sense of responsibility towards their land. As families worked side by side, they deepened their understanding of their roles as guardians of the earth.
“Passing on the knowledge to the kids of how many pests there really are in the bush and the damage they do.”
“Possums are pests, so minimizing the life cycle does good for our whenua and taiao.”
“If ever we needed a reminder of our connection to the whenua (land), this was it.”
The event beautifully blended education and entertainment, ensuring that the values of kaitiakitanga are ingrained in future generations.
Looking Back on a Meaningful Event
The 2025 Possum Blast at Opeke Marae was more than just a fun weekend; it celebrated whanaungatanga, environmental care, and cultural ties. The crack ups, shared stories, and experiences created a rich tapestry of memories that will last a lifetime.
As the community united to protect the ngahere, they also strengthened their bonds and honoured their shared heritage. This event underscored the importance of collaboration for a common cause, reminding everyone about the power of unity and the joy of family.
Looking forward, the Possum Blast will continue to be a cherished event, nurturing a sense of belonging and responsibility among whānau. By cultivating these connections, we ensure that the spirit of kaitiakitanga endures, improving the lives of future generations.
In summary, the Possum Blast not only celebrates Matariki but also reinforces community ties, enhances environmental awareness, and fosters intergenerational connections—key elements that will resonate in the hearts and minds of the local community for years to come.
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