Welcome to Matariki 2011 celebrations in the Far North of New Zealand
Matariki (Mata Riki meaning "Tiny Eyes" or Mata Ariki meaning "Eyes of God") is a small cluster of stars known as the Pleiades or The Seven Sisters.
Each year, towards the end of May, the Matariki constellation rises on the North East horizon around half an hour before dawn and in the same place as the rising sun. This signals the beginning of Matariki and the Maori new year celebrations begin on the sighting of the next new moon in early June.
Traditionally, the visibility of Matariki was thought to determine the coming season crops. If the stars were bright, this indicated warmer weather and a more productive crop.
Today, Matariki means celebrating the special place we live in and showing and giving respect to the land (whenua). Celebrations usually go for three days after the new moon has risen and following Matariki becoming visible.
mana atua
ACKNOWLEDGE THE PAST...
A spiritual passage through time & space to remember the gifts that have been passed down to us.
Taonga tuku iho...
mana tangata
PAVE THE WAY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS...
Develop creative, resourceful & resilient young people who value learning & building positive relationships.
He toi whakairo, he mana tangata...
mana whenua
CELEBRATE THE PRESENT...
Understand our relationship & responsibility to the land that sustains us,
Manaaki whenua, manaaki tangata, haere whakamua…
Our sponsors
Pepi Patch Inc, in conjunction with Taipa Area School, wish to extend our thanks and appreciation to the following groups and agencies for their sponsorship, commitment and continued support to this annual event.
Matariki began on 4th June 2011
Watch for Junior Kapa Haka Festival (Friday 15 July), Senior and Junior Ki-o-Rahi Competitions (Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 July) - all at Taipa Area School.
Find out more about the events in the Muriwhenua (Far North) district »
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