From the week of the 17 to 24 July, the Papamoa College UMS Ambassadors held a week to celebrate Matariki, the Maori New Year. We wanted to acknowledge Matariki as it symbolises new beginnings and what we have to look forward to, as well as all the challenges of the year that has passed! We also wanted to unite the UMS and set goals for the rest of the year.

The first event that we held was based in our commons. In each commons there is at least one ambassador, in most more, who lead out short workshops based around the tradition of Matariki and what it’s all about. After this, students in each commons were encouraged to set goals around what they want to achieve throughout the remainder of the year. We had designed koru shaped templates which people could decorate and write their goals on to upload to a google classroom. This was so that they could be displayed later in the week at the barbeque.

The sausage sizzle was the second event of the week, where all UMS students could come grab some kai! We wanted to hold the sausage sizzle as not only does it follow the tradition of celebrating with food during the New Year (albeit not kaimoana or a harvest!), but it is always a great way to bring people together. This was really successful, with an awesome turnout. With the barbeques firing and the warm weather, it almost felt like summer.

Overall, it was a great way to celebrate our first week back and acknowledge Matariki. Many thanks to the Papamoa College AV team, who provided us with some great music on Friday at the sausage sizzle, and especially to Glen and everyone who helped out at Papamoa Pak ‘n’ Save with the free sausages, bread and sauce! But how could we forget? Without Mrs Develter’s great support and backing, none of this could’ve come together, so a huge thank you. Awesome job UMS!