Matariki
Matariki is a star cluster in the sky and its arrival has a wonderful meaning; it is a time to spend with whānau (family) and friends, to reflect on the past year, and to look forward to new beginnings ahead. It is a time of remembrance, joy, and peace.
To celebrate Matariki this year, we held two fantastic events for caregivers and whānau in Auckland and Whanganui. Check out the details below.
Whanganui
Matariki Mā Puanga Whanganui
Our Lower North Regional Coordinator Ebony Phillips held a special event in Whanganui to celebrate Puanga, and the principle of Manako nui, (looking to the future). Ebony took caregivers on a learning journey, followed by a shared discussion and delicious hangi.
Participants also had the opportunity to try whetu (star) weaving with flax.
Thank you to everyone who came along. We hope you learned something new and made some new connections.
Thank you to Tupoho Social Services for allowing us to use their premises for our event.
South Auckland
Matariki – Connecting, Learning,
and Honouring the Cultural Needs of our tamariki
We hope our South Auckland caregivers enjoyed this event on Saturday 14 June.
We learned more about Matariki, connected with other caregivers, and shared some kai (food). There was a general discussion about how to celebrate and encourage Matariki practices with your whānau. We also touched on acknowledging loved ones who have passed.
Thanks to Christine Frost, Upper North Regional Coordinator, and Christie McGiven, Central North Coordinator for hosting an evening of learning and connection.
What a fun and memorable night!
Matariki 2024
For Matariki 2024, we held events in Napier and Rotorua.
In Napier we partnered with VOYCE Whakarongo Mai to host a fun whānau day packed full of activities. There were a range of craft stations, including DIY mini gardens, make your own friendship bracelets, origami and decorating tote bags.
The kids (young and old!) enjoyed running races, mini football matches, sack races, egg and spoon races, tug of war and a three-legged race. Everyone enjoyed an amazing hāngī feast and icecream.
In Rotorua in partnership with VOYCE Whakarongo Mai, we hosted a memorable day to acknowledge and celebrate our caregiving whānau.
There were Matariki activities and workshops, tailored for both children and caregivers, mirimiri (Māori massage), and a chance to experience traditional Māori culture and history in the unique setting of a Waka. At midday everyone came together to share a delicious hāngī.
Matariki 2023
For Matariki 2023, we held several events around the country, and our Regional Team really enjoyed getting out there and meeting new caregivers, and whānau, and reconnecting again.
Some of the highlights included harakeke (flax) weaving and a trip to the hot pools in Canterbury, a delicious hāngī and basketball games in Napier, and some wonderful creativity when tamariki designed their own wakahuia (treasure boxes) at Te Papa Museum in Wellington.
Please read some feedback below from our 2023 events.
“Thank you for all your mahi and awhi…we all had a mīharo time especially making our whaka huia and matariki mobiles.”
“As a caregiver who had never attended the Matariki Tūhono event before, I must say that it was a truly remarkable and eye-opening experience. The event provided a profound opportunity to learn about and immerse myself in Māori culture and traditions. The organisers did an exceptional job of creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making me feel included and valued as part of the community. I was particularly impressed with the emphasis on upholding the mana of tamariki and the focus on family connections. It was heartwarming to witness the deep-rooted sense of whānau and the care provided to children in a healing environment.”