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: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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0% Yes
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0% No
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0% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
International Volunteer Managers Day
Yesterday marked International Volunteer Managers Day. So throughout this week we will be spotlighting several amazing volunteer managers from across the Wellington region.
Liv has recently started managing a diverse team of volunteers at The Free Store Wellington. Here are some words about what she loves about her role!
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