Matariki
Matariki is a star cluster in the sky and its arrival has a wonderful meaning; it is a time to spend with whānau (family) and friends, to reflect on the past year, and to look forward to new beginnings ahead. It is a time of remembrance, joy, and peace.
To celebrate Matariki this year, we hosted two fantastic events for caregivers and whānau in Napier and Rotorua. Check out the details below.
Keep scrolling for some highlights from our Matariki celebrations in 2023.
Napier
Sports and craft Day, with Hāngī feast
On Sunday 23 June 2024, we teamed up with VOYCE Whakarongo Mai to host a fun whānau day packed full of activities.
There were a range of craft stations, including DIY mini gardens, make your own friendship bracelets, origami and decorating tote bags.
The kids (young and old!) enjoyed a good run-around too – there were running races, mini football matches, sack races, egg and spoon races, tug of war and a three-legged race.
Everyone enjoyed an amazing hāngī feast and icecream.
Rotorua
Matariki Celebration and Waka Experience
We had a fantastic turnout on Saturday 6 July 2024 for this special event, which was a rich cultural experience for all involved.
In partnership with VOYCE Whakarongo Mai, we hosted a memorable day to acknowledge and celebrate our caregiving whānau.
There were Matariki activities and workshops, tailored for both children and caregivers, mirimiri (Maori massage), and a chance to experience traditional Maori culture and history in the unique setting of a Waka. At midday we all came together to share a delicious hāngī.
We hope everyone who attended this celebration gained a deeper understanding of Matariki and whanaungatanga (kinship, sense of family connection).
Matariki 2023
For Matariki 2023, we held several events around the country, and our Regional Team really enjoyed getting out there and meeting new caregivers, and whānau, and reconnecting again.
Some of the highlights included harakeke (flax) weaving and a trip to the hot pools in Canterbury, a delicious hāngī and basketball games in Napier, and some wonderful creativity when tamariki designed their own wakahuia (treasure boxes) at Te Papa Museum in Wellington.
Take a look at some of the photos from these events below!
“As a caregiver who had never attended the Matariki Tūhono event before, I must say that it was a truly remarkable and eye-opening experience. The event provided a profound opportunity to learn about and immerse myself in Māori culture and traditions. The organisers did an exceptional job of creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making me feel included and valued as part of the community. I was particularly impressed with the emphasis on upholding the mana of tamariki and the focus on family connections. It was heartwarming to witness the deep-rooted sense of whānau and the care provided to children in a healing environment.”
A beautiful hāngī lunch was prepared for caregivers and tamariki in Napier. Watch the making of the hāngī here!
“Thank you for all your mahi and awhi…we all had a mīharo time especially making our whaka huia and matariki mobiles.”