Matariki whakataetae: Prize draw
Thank you to all those centres who sent in photos of your Matariki celebrations. Check out some of the photos we received on our Facebook page.
Each centre that sent in their photos went in the draw to win an awesome Kapa Haka dress set.
We are delighted to announce that Atawhai Playcentre is the winner of our prize draw this year.
Mānawatia a Matariki
Whakataukī:
Matariki – ahunga nui
Matariki – when many mounds are heaped.
Food and feasting are a central element of the Matariki period, whānau come together and kai is shared.
This can be linked to the growth of kūmara or likened to a refresh and reset button for your yearly planner. It is an opportune time to set goals for the year ahead. We can utilise the celebration of the Māori new year as a reminder for us all to try and include daily karakia, waiata, kupu Māori & whakaaro Māori. Even, if it may seem like such simple easy phrases, you never know who you could help with some kupu hou – new words. Let’s share what we know, let’s speak more Māori, let’s role model and karawhiua – give it a go!
Matariki celebrations
Matariki celebrations kicked off in Tamaki Makaurau last week with shared kai at the UNI Regional Office, where Tara Soloman Regional Manager shared the story of Tawhirimatea and the creation of whetū stars, also known as Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tawhirimatea.
The week wrapped up in Wellington, with Faith Tupou (Kaihononga Māori ki Te Whanganui-a-Tara) and Erana Rattray starting their morning painting the mīharo mural at Lower Hutt Playcentre which depicts Te Awakairangi. We sung the waiata Te Awakairangi which describes the flowing, growing river down to the sea, just like our tamariki are growing and navigating. Artist Kate Stephens West takes her community on a journey with her mahi toi, the movement of the awa in the fence panel emphasise the flow and energy of our tamariki and whānau. Lower Hutt Playcentre strongly identify with mana whenua pūrākau which pertains to the taniwha forming te Awakairangi and te Whanganui-a-Tara the harbour.
Unfortunately, Erana was unable to see our whānau in Dunedin, nor Hamilton where Mānawatia a Matariki celebrations were planned to kick off, due to weather conditions.
Elements of Māori World View: Rangatiratanga
Whakataukī
Te mahi o te Rangatira, He whakatira i te iwi.
The work of the Rangatira is to bring the people together.
As we step into the new year, let’s take the opportunity to learn from last year’s teachings.
We can all look back and see how far we have come on our very own reo journeys and much more. We aren’t limited to staying at the same level. If we choose to take control of our own destination, then we are the embodiment of Rangatiratanga. A Rangatira doesn’t start at the top.
The hard work will always go unseen, and preparation is the key to the perfect foundation. Rangatiratanga is when your actions speak louder than your words, but your words are followed by your actions.
Find out more about rangatiratanga and other elements of a Māori world by visiting the Huringa Pūngao page on our website.