During Matariki we celebrate our unique place in the world. We give respect to the whenua on which we live, and admiration to our mother earth, Papatuanuku. Matariki is a time to learn about those who came before us: our history, our family, our bones.
Matariki signals growth. It's a time of change, a time to prepare and a time of action. It's a celebration of culture, language, spirit and people. Matariki is our Aotearoa Pacific New Year.
Matariki events at your library
Christchurch City Libraries is proudly supporting Matariki with events throughout June.
Matariki Storytimes for preschoolers are on all month as well as star weaving and carving demonstrations. For those interested in learning about their whakapapa, try the session with Māori Reference Librarian Moata Tamaira on June 26. Learn to use library resources as tools for effective whakapapa research. After the presentation there will be computer access available for individuals to pursue self-directed research if desired.
Teacher's resource for Matariki
Christchurch City Libraries has created a Matariki learning resource pack for teachers of pupils in Years 1 to 8. Full of practical examples and ideas, this resource can be used to incorporate Matariki into subjects such as art, dance, English, science, social science and social studies.
Help test digital media products
OverDrive and NetLibrary are two digital media systems that allow the access and downloading of audio books, music, video and eBooks to your computer or laptop. Items can then be transferred to a CD player, MP3 player, Smart phone or pocket PC. Many audio titles can be burned to a CD to play in the car or at home.
Christchurch City Libraries are considering these products. Are you willing to give up an hour of your time to come into Central Library and play with these systems? You will be supported by your friendly library staff who can help you out if you get stuck and will give you a single movie ticket as a thank you for your time!
Trial times:
- OverDrive:
June 16 and 18 2-5pm
- NetLibrary:
July 7 and 8th 2-5pm
Contact:
Please contact Coleen Finnerty on: libraryserials@ccc.govt.nz if you would like to participate and a preferred date and time for your participation. An indication if you are happy to participate in future trials is also welcome!
This week in Christchurch history
A handy feature for those keen to find out about local history is the Christchurch Chronology on the library website. Here’s a selection of what happened in Christchurch this week in history:
- June 8, 1838 First French warship, the corvette “Heroine” (Captain J.B. Cecille) arrives in Akaroa.
- June 8, 1966 New "Wahine", described as "the largest vehicular ferry in the world", begins on the Lyttelton-Wellington run.
- June 10, 1868 William Wilson elected first Mayor of Christchurch.
- June 10, 1935 John Drew and poet/typographer Dennis Glover founded Caxton Press to publish New Zealand literature. Most of the decade’s best writers were first published by the company.
- June 12, 1848 “Kemp’s Deed” signed by Ngai Tahu giving the New Zealand Company control of land from Kaiapoi to Otago.