Matariki 2016

Traditionally, Matariki marked the end of the harvest and a time to rest and celebrate. It was a time for remembering those who had passed away, and looking forward to the year ahead.

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

Matariki re-appears, Whānui starts its flight.
Being the sign of the [new] year!

Matariki has had a modern revival, and more and more we are celebrating New Zealand's own New Year.  Here at Owairaka in 2016, the whanau group will be having a kura moe, climbing Te Maunga O Wairaka to look for Matariki, and putting down a hangi.

Mr Bennett says about Matariki 2016...

Matariki is a time to reflect on important events or activities that have already happened, celebrate special people or places and plan for the future.

Learn more here!

WATCH
Find out the names of all the stars in the Matariki constellation, and what they all mean. An interview with Maori astronomer Dr Rangi Matamua.

http://tvnz.co.nz/seven-sharp/matariki-video-5460623

READ

• The Encyclopedia of New Zealand   www.teara.govt.nz/en/matariki-maori-new-year

• If you are using a computer at school, use library:2001 in the address bar, then search 'Matariki' to find online resources, as well as our catalogue of books.

• Take a look at the library display.