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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 … View moreMatariki 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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Get ready for an incredible start to Matariki Festival as we unveil a lineup of thrilling events in week one! 🌟
With over 100 events to pick from, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Get a sneak peek 👀
Chicken Galantine with farce pistachio & dried apricots, picked onions, parsley emulsion
Followed by;
Raviole de filet de porc, Spätzle, warm Sauerkraut, White pepper sauce
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Remember rubbish, recycling and food scraps collection times may change due to public holidays.
Check your collection dates by clicking on 'Read More'.
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Auckland Council's 21 Local Boards have come up with a three-year plan outlining key initiatives we want to focus on in your communities. Help us check if we’ve got it right! Submissions must be received by 4pm Monday 14 August.
For more information click here.
It’s your place. Your … View moreAuckland Council's 21 Local Boards have come up with a three-year plan outlining key initiatives we want to focus on in your communities. Help us check if we’ve got it right! Submissions must be received by 4pm Monday 14 August.
For more information click here.
It’s your place. Your voice.
Learn More
Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki
Mānawa maiea te ariki o te rangi
Mānawa maiea te Mātahi o te tau
Celebrate the rising of Matariki
Celebrate the rising of the lord of the sky,
… View moreLearn More
Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki
Mānawa maiea te ariki o te rangi
Mānawa maiea te Mātahi o te tau
Celebrate the rising of Matariki
Celebrate the rising of the lord of the sky,
Celebrate the rising of the new year,
Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi acknowledges Matariki as a time for reflection, remembrance, gratitude, and inspiration. Honouring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki, gathering to give thanks for what we have and looking forward to the future.
What a lovely day today.
These beauties 😍 were gifted to me by someone in Blockhouse bay few months back. They've grown up to such a satisfying sight that I keep admiring them and thanking the person who gave them to me.
We are incredibly proud to welcome our new Neighbourly partner – the New Zealand Heart Foundation!
Not only will they be helping us to stay ‘heart healthy in our neighbourhoods,’ the Heart Foundation will also be sharing:
- News & updates from the incredible Heart Foundation Lottery… View moreWe are incredibly proud to welcome our new Neighbourly partner – the New Zealand Heart Foundation!
Not only will they be helping us to stay ‘heart healthy in our neighbourhoods,’ the Heart Foundation will also be sharing:
- News & updates from the incredible Heart Foundation Lottery – including how to win a brand-new home (check out our latest Lottery here)
- Heart-warming stories including how the Heart Foundation supports those in the community living with heart disease
- Handy heart health and wellbeing resources and tips
- How you can show your big heart through local volunteering opportunities
- How to eat healthy to your heart’s content with some great recipes
Please join us in giving the Heart Foundation a warm, hearty welcome!
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When you donate one of… View moreWe don’t need to go too far to hear about the cost of living crisis and the fact is, right now, 1 in 6 children go without essentials like food and clothing. While we can’t control this cost, we can make a difference. The Giving Store works to help kiwis give to kiwis.
When you donate one of our Winter Essential Packs, 100% of your donation will go to families in need this winter. Let's not let the cost of living get in the way of giving. Together, we can make hope the headline
Central Auckland Grief Support is a peer support group for adults who have gone through grief or loss, such as separation or divorce, the death of a significant person in their life or other major family changes. We will have a potluck lunch to celebrate midwinter on Saturday 15 July at 12 noon, … View moreCentral Auckland Grief Support is a peer support group for adults who have gone through grief or loss, such as separation or divorce, the death of a significant person in their life or other major family changes. We will have a potluck lunch to celebrate midwinter on Saturday 15 July at 12 noon, followed by our meeting, in the Hillsborough area. To find out more and to register, please contact Mabel at 021-1734978.
Girls! Are you excited for the FIFA Womens World Cup coming to Auckland next month? Would you like to try football with a group of girls just like you?
Fantails is a programme designed for new female players aged 4 – 12 years to try football in a fun and safe environment through sessions … View moreGirls! Are you excited for the FIFA Womens World Cup coming to Auckland next month? Would you like to try football with a group of girls just like you?
Fantails is a programme designed for new female players aged 4 – 12 years to try football in a fun and safe environment through sessions focused on helping girls make friends, having fun, improving their skills and being active through football.
More details and registration can be found on the AUFC website.
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