Next Monday, 14th June, just before dawn you will be able to see the constellation of Matariki in the sky for the first time. This signals the start of festivities for the Maori New Year and we are all hoping it will be very clear and bright as this means it will be a good year of productive crops. Matariki is also known as Plieades or The Seven Sisters. In other parts of the country where the Matariki constellation is not easily seen, they look for Puanga which is the Maori name for the star Reigel.Matariki celebrates:
- the harvest (gathering and storing food for the winter, and planting for the next season)
- whanau (remembering those who have passed away and spending time with family and friends)
- entertainment (feasting, singing and dancing)
- learning (especially about your geneology and craftmaking)
- respect for the land and the great place we live.
Rodney Libraries is celebrating Matariki with displays and by using the Matariki theme at our pre-schoolers storytimes. We will be introducing the idea, celebrating with some songs and stories about stars and whanau (including some of our very own Maori myths and New Zealand sotries). Some libraries will also be offering a simple craft activity, colouring in or a handout to take away.
Monday 14th June 10.30am - Warkworth and Kumeu
Tuesday 15th June 10.30am - Mahurangi East
Wednesday 16th June 10.30 am - Wellsford and Whangaparaoa
Thursday 17th June 11.0 am - Orewa
There are several books in our libraries about Matariki and other Maori celebrations. For other Matariki celebrations around Rodney and Auckland, try this Matariki website
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