Waimate High School Newsletter

Manawatia a Matariki

Maori New Year
    by Sue Bailey

Tēnā koutou katoa

Tautī mai a Hinetakurua

He putunga hua

He putunga hou

Ko te matahi o te tau tēnā

E ara Matariki e

We welcome the maiden of winter, Hinetakurua

She symbolises a time when the land is ripe for harvest

And a time of immense change

The season of first fruits

Today, Whaea Marie Donaldson spoke about Matariki at our Year 9 & 10 year level assembly. Whaea Marie spoke about her understanding that Matariki is part of a collaboration between the sun (Tama nui te rā), the moon (Te Marama) and the stars (ngā whetū) and the importance in understanding the three elements working in partnership to take care of our wellbeing. Matariki is a time of reflection, giving thanks and giving back to the environment. Nō reira, Manawatia a Matariki!