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Matariki is the cluster of stars, which rises in midwinter and for many Māori, heralds the start of the New Year. The return of the constellation is commemorated by Te Rā Aro ki Matariki 2023 which happened on Friday, July 14 th this year. Early in the morning, just before dawn, is the optimum time to view the Matariki cluster. As we look to Matariki 2023, to reflect, to celebrate and look to the future, some of the ways to honour Matariki with our whānau is through: karakia, waiata, hautapu, kai, being with whānau, goal setting, toi Māori, kai maara, kai ngahere, kai moana, taiao Māori and much more.

The three key principles for Matariki are:

Matariki Hunga Nui (Remembrance)

Honouring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki.

Matariki Ahunga Nui (Celebrating the Present)

Gather together to give thanks for what we have.

Matariki Manako Nui (Looking to the Future)

Looking forward to the promise of a new year.

This year Te Pā Harakeke will celebrate Matariki through a variety of activities.

Matariki Hunga Nui – to ‘celebrate the life’ of loved ones since the last rising of Matariki.

Matariki Ahunga Nui – Matariki kāinga hokia – whānau gathering for a shared kai,

Matariki Manako Nui – to continue to develop and explore the learning intentions of the

puna with our whānau for the future.

•  He taonga te mokopuna: Our tamariki are our future and without them we would not exist.

•  He taonga te reo Māori: ko te kai a te rangatira; he kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero.

•  He kāinga tipu te kāinga o ōku mātua: Our principal home of learning.

•  Tikanga Tuku Iho: the ways of learning through our ancestors.

E te iwi, nei rā te mihi maioha ki a tātou i tēnei wā o ‘Mānawatia a Matariki’.