502 days ago

Matariki: The what, why and where to know for this Friday

Brian from Mount Roskill

Matariki is quickly approaching, so what are the rules of the relatively new public holiday and why do we celebrate it?
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The Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Act 2022 came into effect in April 2022, establishing the day as a public holiday, the first of its kind to recognise Te Ao Māori.
Similar to Easter, the date of the Matariki public holiday changes from year to year, however, it will always be in June or July. The dates for the next 30 years are already set out in legislation. It will always fall on a Friday.
This year it is this Friday, June 14, next year it is on June 28.
Why do we celebrate Matariki?
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Matariki occurs when the star cluster is made visible mid-winter and heralds the beginning of Te Mātahi o te Tau, the Māori New Year.
“Matariki” is an abbreviation for “Ngā mata o te ariki o Tāwhirimātea”, or “the eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea” and each of the stars holds a unique purpose.
It is said Rehua (Antares) took Matariki as a wife, and the stars represent their eight children, each with a defined role in ao Māori.
The constellation is momentous in many different cultures and religions, it is mentioned in the Koran, the Talmud, and the Bible. It is known as the Seven Sisters in Greece, Krittika in India, Subaru in Japan and Freyja’s Hens in Scandinavia.
Māori iwi have been celebrating Matariki for many, many years, and traditionally it was a time for feasting on abundant food as it fell at the of the harvest.
Matariki is a time for remembering those lost since the last rising, gathering to give thanks and looking forward to the new year.
People celebrate Matariki in different ways, usually, a meal with whanau and friends is common, while others engage in acts of service to connect with others.
Astronomer Dr Rangiānehu Mātāmua, the man widely credited with getting Matariki recognised as a public holiday in New Zealand, spoke to Newstalk ZB and said Matariki “belongs to all of us”.
Asked whether Matariki was “only a Māori thing”, 2023 New Zealander of the Year Mātāmua was emphatic in his response.
“No, no, no, no, no,” he said. “It is a New Zealand Aotearoa thing. Matariki is the Pleiades, and everywhere across the world, it’s the earliest and most well-recorded group of stars in the night sky.
“There’s not a single person in this country or across the world who does not descend from people who used those stars to determine when to plant, when to harvest, the new year, and a whole lot of associated activities.”
What’s going on near me for Matariki?
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There are several festivities around the country taking place this month which make it easy to celebrate the special event. These feature everything from street parties, and astrophotography tours, to light shows and live performances and star gazing.
Starting at the top of the country in the Bay of Islands, you can dine on a four-course meal and sample craft beer and partake in a dawn cruise as the star cluster rises.
Matariki Pēwhairangi Bay of Islands is in its third year and runs until July 22. It includes a beer and wine festival, a party and the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel plays host to a modern Māori dining experience.
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is playing host to hundreds of events and activities across the city.
From Wednesday, July 19 to midnight, the Harbour Bridge will put on a light show every half-hour while Truma, a collection of light and sound installations along Queen St, shines neon lights on the history of the neighbourhood.
Also, a stunning sound and vision display was launched last week at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. It features nine illuminated buoys representing the Matariki star cluster, is the brainchild of creative director Tuhirangi Blair and was installed by artist Angus Muir.
Elliott St, meanwhile, will pay homage to its past as a “eat street” by hanging vibrant pātaka kai (food storehouse) insignia above the hip bars, eateries, and shops.
Umu Kohukohu Whetū is one of the three pou events, and it involves lighting an umu, or hangi, on Bastion Point before dawn on Friday, July 14, to the accompaniment of waiata, karanga, and karakia (incantations or prayers).
The nine stars in the Matariki constellation are thought to be represented by the many dishes cooked in the umu, and it is believed that the rising smoke feeds the stars.
On Thursday, July 13, from 5 to 9pm, Henderson’s Catherine St will host a free street celebration with performances by Katachafire, Tiki Taane, and House of Shem. Additionally, there will be cultural performances, kiddie rides, and lots of food stalls.
Kāpiti Coast’s three-week festival, Matariki Ramaroa, is already under way. The Matariki Ramaroa beacon fires will be lit on Friday at Raumati and Ōtaki beaches, allowing for warm stargazing, while the night market at Ōtaki College will take place on Thursday.
In Christchurch, illuminated artworks litter Victoria Square until July 15, so be sure to pop by for a look. Additionally, there will be live readings of Matariki stories and Māori legends as well as light shows on Friday and Saturday nights.
Arrowtown is putting on a spectacular show as the Matariki Arrowtown Lights is back for its second year.
With a koha donation, you can see Buckingham St and the surrounding laneways of historic Arrowtown/Kā Muriwai be transformed into a stunning light show.
Are shops open on Matariki?
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Businesses are not ordered to close for any period during Matariki and there are no other trading restrictions. The sale of alcohol is permitted on Matariki.
Regular public holiday laws apply to anyone working, where they must be paid time and a half. In some circumstances, workers will also be given a paid day off at a later time, known as a day in lieu.
It is important to remember that due to the rise in cost for staff on this day, many businesses will create a surcharge to offset the additional costs.
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www.nzherald.co.nz...
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More messages from your neighbours
2 hours ago

The Influence of the Whānau - Day 9

Kiran Reddy from Mount Eden

In a small Māori pā (village) nestled beside a flowing river, a young boy named Rangi lived with his whānau. Rangi was curious and adventurous, always exploring the ngahere (forest) and listening to the stories of his kaumātua (elders). The kaumātua would often remind him, “He waka eke noa”—we are all in this together, and our actions affect the collective.

Rangi's best friend, Manu, was a clever boy but sometimes made poor choices. Manu had recently begun spending time with a group of older boys from another pā who were known for their reckless behavior. They would waste kai (food), leave rubbish in the ngahere, and even disturb the sacred awa (river) by throwing stones at eels.

One day, Manu invited Rangi to join the group, saying, “Come on, Rangi! They’re fun, and they won’t hurt anyone. We’re just having a good time!” Unsure, Rangi agreed, feeling pressure to fit in.

The group’s leader, Matiu, proposed a game: they would sneak into the kaumātua's kumara patch at night and take some for a "feast." Rangi hesitated. He remembered the kaumātua saying how much work went into growing the kumara, with karakia (prayers) and care for the soil. But he stayed silent, feeling outnumbered.

That night, the group raided the garden. As they laughed and ate the stolen kumara by the fire, Rangi felt uneasy. He realized that this was not who he wanted to be. When he saw Manu’s joy in impressing Matiu, Rangi felt torn but remained quiet.

The next morning, the kaumātua discovered the missing kumara and the trampled garden. They called the entire pā together, expressing sadness, not anger. “Our ancestors teach us that the whenua (land) provides for all of us, but only if we treat it with respect,” said one elder. “When we harm the whenua, we harm ourselves.”

Rangi’s heart sank. That evening, he confessed to the kaumātua and his whānau, explaining everything. To his surprise, they did not scold him harshly. Instead, they said, “He tangata tītoki, he tangata rākau—a person is like a tree; they grow straight when supported by others. You must choose companions who uphold the values of your whānau and whenua.”

Rangi decided to distance himself from Manu’s new group and instead spent time with those who respected the land and upheld the teachings of their ancestors. Over time, he encouraged Manu to rejoin him, and together they worked to rebuild the kumara patch, learning from the kaumātua.

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Moral

This story highlights the importance of right company and like-mindedness. It shows that no one is inherently bad, but the influence of others and the situations we choose can lead us astray. Surrounding ourselves with those who uphold values like respect, care, and collective well-being ensures a life of balance and harmony.

Ka mua, ka muri — by learning from the past, we can walk into the future.

7 days ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

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When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 4.7% Second half of November
    4.7% Complete
  • 43.5% 1st December
    43.5% Complete
  • 17.6% A week before Christmas
    17.6% Complete
  • 33.1% Whenever you wish
    33.1% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
2599 votes
8 hours ago

Today’s Riddle – Can You Outsmart Your Neighbours?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

First you eat me, then you get eaten. What am I?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

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