A festival of aroha – Let's make Matariki a public holiday in 2021
Hi neighbours,
Today, Stuff is launching a campaign to make Matariki a public holiday from 2021.
Plucked from obscurity and given the breath of life, since the turn of the century, Matariki has blossomed into an inclusive, popular event.
Tied to the rising of Matariki, the Pleiades star cluster, in the night sky, the festival marks the start of te Mātahi o te tau, the new year.
Once a casualty of colonisation, Matariki’s comeback has fostered greater use of te reo Māori, and recognition for Māori customary practices.
We believe it is past time to officially acknowledge all Matariki stands for in our national calendar. To learn more about Stuff's campaign, click here
Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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27.9% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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20.5% Small fireworks displays in each community
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7.7% Keep it as is
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32.7% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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10.8% Anything but fireworks
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0.4% Other - I'll share below
Solve This Riddle or Be Left Scratching Your Head!
With pointed fangs, I sit and wait;
with piercing force, I crunch out fate.
I grab victims, proclaiming might,
and physically join with a single bite.
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.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Celebrating International Volunteer Managers Day
We had a wonderful morning celebrating Te Whanganui-a-Tara volunteer managers at our International Volunteer Managers Day breakfast event.
It was inspiring to bring together local change-makers to discuss this year's theme: 'what's our future normal?' We shared reflections and aspirations for how we can play a role in shaping a stronger and brighter future for the voluntary sector.
Thank you so much to our generous sponsors Lighthouse Cinema, t leaf T, The Candle Shop, Wonderland Chocolate, Zealandia and Oat Cafe.
Amazing catering provided by Blue Carrot