At dawn on Wednesday 19 July staff and students braved the winter cold to mānawatia a Matariki (celebrate Matariki) at Motītī Reserve.

Our Te Tuinga students welcomed the Māori New Year with a beautiful waiata, and we took time to reflect in karakia.

We remembered those who have recently passed, as represented by the Matariki star Pōhutukawa, and made a wish upon Hiwa-i-te-rangi.

A BBQ breakfast was enjoyed before we headed off to school.

Later that day, Tahuna Commons students were fortunate to participate in the Matariki ki Mauao school workshops held at the base of Mauao. 

The workshops taught basic knowledge of Matariki and how to utilise Maramataka (Lunar Calendar) to assist with cultivating and harvesting kai grown in the soil. There was a hikoi to see plantings on Mauao, discover the rongoā and native plants that grow there, and a chance for students to have a go at weaving with Harakeke. 

Mānawatia a Matariki!