Te Mātahi o te tau. Ka puta Matariki ka rere Whānui. Ko te tohu tēnā o te tau e!

Ka kapokapo mai te kāhui whetū o Matariki i te atatū, he tohu whakatairanga mā te tangata, kauheke mai, tamariki mai. Puta noa i Aotearoa, ka whakamine mai te tangata ka hoki mahara atu ki te iwi nui kei te pō, ka kai tahi, ka waiata, ka kōrero tahi anō hoki.
- Te Papa

We  experienced our biggest Matariki celebrations yet, here in Ōtautahi. As the rise of Matariki marks the beginning of the Māori New Year, we reflect on the year that has been, acknowledge our loved ones that have departed from us and set our sights on the future, using ngā whetū, the stars, as our guide.

"This year the cluster was spread far apart which is a sign that the summer season will be long. The stars that were the brightest from my read were Matariki, Tipuānuku, Waitī and Waipunarangi. These stars are connected to well-being, gardens, fresh water and rain. I did not see Pohutukawa or Hiwaiterangi, and the other stars of the cluster were not as bright. One of the other signs were saw was the strobing of the stars in the cluster, as if they were being turned on and off in quick fashion. For instance, Waipunarangi was bright, but would flash in and out of view. My understanding is that this is a sign of inconsistency. So while the rain will not be too heavy this season, it will be inconsistent."
- Prof. Rangi Matamua 

Te Hapu o Ngāti Wheke hosted "Ka Awatea"  a week long celebration that kicked off with a neighbourhood bonfire party in Coleen's Corner, marking the evening before the rise of Matariki. 

Ngāti Moki, Ngāi te Ruahikihiki and the Selwyn Dictrict Council hosted a night of entertainment and musical delights from the Modern Māori Quartet.
Opening acts featured Sista Waitoa, Aporonia Arahanga and Project Miere.

 Whānau wrapped up warm and braved the cold around the bonfire out at Taumutu Marae for Matariki Ahunga Nui Wānanga. We told stories of Matariki, sang songs and shared our kai around the bonfires.

"Fifth year in a row for the Matariki Planting at the Rongoa Maori site on Marshland Road. A cold and frosty morning for the 6.45 AM start, but turned into a brilliant day with lots of trees planted and some nice stories and karakia from Aparahama Kipa.... those that miss the early (6.45 AM) session each year miss some real magic - planting in the dark, and reading the early morning skyline for signs of a good year to come!"
- Antony Shadbolt

Ka Awatea closed it's celebrations in Lyttleton with a showcase of music, kapa haka, stories and art at LAF - Lyttleton Arts Factory. Our very own pononga shone in their performance for whānau and the community.

"Wellington has ditched Guy Fawkes and is celebrating Matariki (Māori new year) instead."
- The Spin Off

It's about time we start letting go of traditions and holidays that aren't ours...

As we the community begin to embrace our maori culture, we become more aware of ourselves, those that have gone before us, and those around us today. Celebrating Matariki/Puanga, is about reflection, spending time with whānau, and planning for the future. So, what are your plans for this new year?

Ngā mihi nui mo te tau hou!
Happy new year, see you next term.