Matariki Celebrations over the years
Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars, that rises in midwinter and for many Māori, heralds the start of the new year. 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.
Over the last few years Caring Families Aotearoa has embraced Matariki and the meaning behind it to bring our caregiving community together through Matariki events, taking everyone on a journey of learning, connection and reflection.
Matariki 2025
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.
Thanks to Christine Frost, Upper North Regional Coordinator, and Christie McGiven, Central North Coordinator who hosted an evening of learning and connection in South Auckland, making for 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.”