Photo credit:Living by the stars.

This year’s theme is based on the whakataukī “Matariki whetū heri kai“  which means Matariki the bringer of food. It is an acknowledgement of the importance of kai; the growing, harvesting, cooking and sharing of kai. Some of the kai from the māra kai/gardens include kumara and cabbage from the domain of Tupuānuku.  From the ngāhere/forests of Tupuārangi we obtain berries, apples and manu/birds.  From the fresh water of Waitī we get trout, eels and watercress, and kaimoana and ika/fish from the moana/ocean of Waitā,

If the whetū/stars of Matariki appear with brightness and clarity it is an indication of the bounty of kai for the season ahead.

We can also consider our role as kaitiaki in these ecosystems and appreciate the people who provide our kai from the gardeners, farmers and fishermen to the markets and cooks.

Within our centres and homes we celebrate with shared kai, toasted marshmellows, hangi, fried bread, butter and golden syrup, scones, pumpkin soup and more! Tino reka te kai!

Tēnei te whakamoemiti ki ngā ringawera i whakaritea i ēnei kai, mai i te rangi, mai i te whenua, mai i te taiao, tihei mauri ora!  

We give thanks to the hands that prepared this kai, from the sky, from the earth and from the environment, good health!

Matariki Puaka Puanga 2024 – Whakataetae – Competition

Matariki signals the Māori New Year. It is a time to celebrate by reflecting on the past year and remembering our loved ones who have passed away.  We also celebrate the present by gathering together with whānau and friends for feasting and fun activities, and look forward to the future by planning for the year ahead.

We would love to see how you celebrate Matariki Puanga Puaka 2024.  Please share a photo or video with some commentary and be in to win a prize pack from the Playcentre Shop valued at $200 for your centre.

Email your entries to [email protected].  Entries close 1st July 2024

Matariki Puanga Puaka

Ko Puanga, ko Matariki, e rua, e rua.

He wā hokinga mahara,

he wā whakariterite mō te tau e tata ana,

he wā ki te wānanga, a,

he wā whakanui i ngā kaupapa ā – tāngata

 

https://www.puanga.org.nz/learning

Matariki and Puanga are both celebrations of the Māori New Year.  Traditionally it was a time to reflect, to learn, to celebrate as well as plan for the future.

Matariki is a star cluster also known as (Pleides).  Puanga/Puaka (Rigel) is a single bright star known as Rigel in the Orion constellation.

In some locations Matariki may not be visible because of the geography and so the hapū and iwi will recognise the rising of Puanga as the beginning of the Māori New Year. For some iwi in Taranaki, Whanganui, Te Awakairangi ki Tai (Lower Hutt) and Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) and parts of the Far North and the South Island, the new year begins with the rising of Puanga, known as Puaka in the South Island.
In parts of the Tainui and Ngāpuhi regions, Puanga and Rehua are the Māori New Year whetū/stars. 

matariki-handbook.pdf (twoa.ac.nz)                                                                                                           

The difference between Puanga and Matariki | Te Papa                        

https://about.metservice.com/puanga-and-matariki

Festival/Event/Wā Whakahirahira

Rāpua ētahi wā whakahirahira – find a Matariki event near you.  Most cities and towns across Aotearoa are celebrating Matariki Puanga Puaka.  Check out your local library and councils.  There are lightshows, craft activities, planting, star gazing, markets, performances, music, theatre, storytimes and much, much more, don’t forget there will be kai and more kai!. Just search ‘Matariki or Puanga Puaka events’ and your location to find out what’s happening near you.

https://www.matariki.com/events                             

Matariki festival website

Rauemi/Resources