Top spots for checking out Matariki
If you are looking for the best spot to view Matariki, the Wellington City Council has produced a list of good viewing spots.
*James Stellin Memorial Park In Northland on Tinakori Hill, James Stellin Memorial Park has stunning 180-degree views over the city to the harbour as well as neat night sky viewing opportunities.
*Tawatawa Reserve is a large flat grassed area that is dog exercise-friendly and is located on Quebec Street, in between the suburbs of Owhiro Bay, Kingston, and Island Bay.
*The Ataturk Memorial Park lookout can be accessed from the Tarakena Bay car park on Breaker Bay Road.
* Waihinahina Park, located on Ladbrooke Drive in Newlands, is an open grassed area surrounded with regenerating bush – an ideal spot for stargazing Matariki on a clear night!
* Homebush Park on Homebush Road in Khandallah, is a hidden playground down a gravel track has breathtaking views over Wellington harbour and the wide-open skies above.
Matariki is found low on the horizon in the northeast of the sky. Try looking there between 5.30am-6.30am.
To find the cluster, first find the row of three stars of Tautoru, or Orion’s Belt (or The Pot). To find Pūanga (Rigel) look above Tautoru until you see the bright star.
From there, scan left until you find the bright orange star, Taumata-kuku (Alderbaran) and keep going until you hit a cluster of stars. That cluster is Matariki.
The Matariki star cluster, photographed by Stephen McArthur.
Poll: How do you feel about dogs being allowed indoors in cafes?
For most of us, seeing a friendly doggo while out and about instantly brings a smile to our faces. But how do you feel about cafes welcoming pups inside?
Cast a vote and share your thoughts below.
-
26.3% I love it!
-
35.4% Only in designated areas
-
38.3% No, it should be outdoors only.
Poll: Should drivers retake the theory test every 10 years?
Drivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
Do you think drivers should be required to take a quick driving theory test every 10 years?
Vote in the poll and share any road rules that you've seen bent! 😱
-
48.1% Yes
-
50% No
-
1.9% Other - I'll share below
Mental Health Awareness Week
Volunteer Wellington are celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW). The theme for this year’s MHAW is: Community is… what we create together. During the week we will share how volunteering can improve your mental health, help you make new connections, and supports your community. For more information about MHAW, please go to:
mentalhealth.org.nz...