Matariki
Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. It rises in midwinter and for many Māori, it heralds the start of a new year. Iwi across New Zealand understand and celebrate Matariki in different ways and at different times. This year, it is celebrated from the 29th June until the 6th of July. People celebrate Matariki with festivals, songs, and feasts. It's a time for families to come together, remember those who have passed away, and look forward to the future. Matariki is also a time to be thankful for the land and its harvests. It’s like a big, happy celebration that brings people together to share stories, food, and fun activities.
Matariki Heri Kai - The feast of Matariki is the theme for Matariki 2024. This was announced by the chief adviser Mātauranga Matariki, Professor Rangi Mātāmua.
Matariki Heri Kai comes from the Māori proverb “Matariki whetū heri kai” meaning “Matariki, the bringer of food”.
Matariki Heri Kai is a proverb that speaks to the association between the appearance of Matariki and the bounty of the impending season.
The different stars in the Matariki cluster have an association to the various domains from where we source our food, in particular: gardens (Tupuānuku), forests (Tupuārangi), fresh water (Waitī) and ocean (Waitā). This connection encourages us to consider our role in protecting and caring for these ecosystems.
If you would like to know more about Matariki, here are some useful websites:
We will be celebrating Matariki at Westburn Te Kura o Hereora on Tuesday 25th June with a school hui at 2.30pm where we will sing waiata and have some fun together. All parents and whānau are invited to attend this special hui. We hope to see you there.
Mānawatia a Matariki!