Matariki is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future, as part of celebrating the Māori New Year.

Aoteroa’s first Matariki public holiday will be celebrated on June 24 and in the weeks leading up to and after this date thousands of people will head to events to recognise this special occasion.

The Healthy Families Ōtautahi team are involved with various Matariki events across the city, including Systems Innovator Maria Smolar.

Maria is a Southshore local who is passionate about her community and is part of the Southshore Residents Association.

As part of her role in the Association, Maria and her fellow members ( Netty Bolton, Liz Yuki and Nick Yuki) are once again putting on a Matariki event for the residents of Southshore.

This year, the event will be held on Sunday 3 July from 4.30-6pm in the Southshore redzone.
As part of the event, whānau are invited to head along to spend time with their fellow community members under the stars.

There will be a sausage sizzle and soups made by the committee, fire poi and music as well as an astronomer who will show people the stars.

In the lead up to the event, the New Brighton Menz shed have made 150 stars for the community to decorate, each star will represents one of the Matariki stars. Once decorated the stars will be hung in clusters around the event and afterwards displayed at The Bridge South Brighton community space. 

“SSRA are excited that our community will be celebrating Matariki. I feel extremely privileged to be supporting this event, bringing together the community on such an auspicious occasion. The three principles of Matariki really align with what this event means for the community. Remembrance – Honouring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki Celebrating the present. Gathering together to give thanks for what we have - what better way to do that than gathering within Te Taiao and sharing kai. Looking to the future – We hope that our community will grow and look forward to the future. “

Find Matariki events near you - Click here 
 

Article added: Monday 20 June 2022