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 have two fantastic events for caregivers and whānau in Auckland and Whanganui. Check out the details below.
South Auckland
Matariki – Connecting, Learning,
and Honouring the Cultural Needs of our tamariki
If you would like to learn more about Matariki, connect with other caregivers, and share some kai (food). Please join Christine Frost, Upper North Regional Coordinator, and Christie McGiven, Central North Coordinator for an evening of learning and connection.
There will be a guest speaker panel, discussing, ‘Implementing Matariki at home’, as well as general discussion about how to celebrate and encourage Matariki practices with your whānau. We will also touch on acknowledging loved ones who have passed.
Please register below for a fun and knowledgeable night.
Date: Saturday 14th June
Venue: Dingwall Trust Hall, 48 Kautami Avenue, Papatoetoe
Time: 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Please note this is a caregiver only event. No children please.
Whanganui
Matariki Mā Puanga Whanganui
Please join Ebony Phillips in Whanganui to celebrate Puanga, and the principle of Manako nui, (looking to the future). We will be sharing a video of Māori expert Che Wilson who will take us on a journey to learn about Puanga, followed by a shared discussion and understanding as a group .
We have a delicious hangi or kai (food) to indulge in. Plus we have a fun activity planned, a chance to try your hand at whetu (star) weaving with flax.
Please register by Friday 20 June for a knowledgeable and fun day.
Date: Friday 27 June
Time: 10.30am – 2.30pm
Venue: 249 Victoria Avenue, Whanganui
Please note this is a caregiver only event. No children please.
Thank you to Tupoho Social Services for allowing us to use their premises for our event.
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.”