Matariki 14 - 20 June 2004

Matariki - Māori New Year
Matariki ahunga nui - Matariki provider of plentiful food

Reclaiming the traditions of Matariki/ Pleiades, the Maori New Year to revitalise Māori language

• Programme of events - Christchurch City Libraries
• About Matariki - Māori New Year
• Celebrate Matariki at the Library and in Cathedral Square
  15 June 2004

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. Throughout Matariki we 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. During Matariki we acknowledge what we have and what we have to give. Matariki celebrates the diversity of life. It's a celebration of culture, language, spirit and people. Matariki is our Aotearoa Pacific New Year.

Matariki is fast becoming the focus for the revitalisation of Māori language. It is a way in which many organisations choose to draw attention to the important place of te reo Māori in Aotearoa. Other traditional knowledge of the Māori world is also highlighted and celebrated.

Matariki tribal celebrations are held at different times by different tribes. For some, feasts are held when it is first seen. For others, it is the full moon after it rises that is celebrated and for others, celebrations are centred on the dawn of the next new moon. Each winter the stars of Matariki and Puanga signal the end of one year and the beginning of the next. Matariki is visible to the naked eye on a clear winter evening after the full moon from early to late June each year. This year Matariki is expected to be visible on Friday June 18 with News Year's day falling on Saturday 19 June. King Tides are another feature of Matariki.

There are many stories about its cultural significance as a navigational star and also as an indication of bountiful harvests. Some iwi believe Matariki is the mother surrounded by her seven daughters.

This year Ngā Kete Wananga-o-Ōtautahi /Christchurch City Libraries is celebrating Matariki in conjuction with Ngāi Tahu's Te Whiri Festival which will be held in Cathedral Square on Saturday 19 June 10.00 - 6.00pm

Matariki Programme for Christchurch City Libraries
Monday 14 - Sat 19 June 2004

• Rāhina / Monday 14 June
  What is Matariki? Come and find out with Toby Rikihana Hapimana. Using star charts and string games, Toby will unravel the mysteries of Matariki
  Ngā Pounamu Māori Centre on the 2nd floor, Central Library 12.30 - 2.00pm
• Rātu / Tuesday 15 June
  Are you curious about the Library's bilingual signs? Ever wondered why we have them and what they mean? Join the bilingual signage workshop
  Ngā Pounamu Māori Centre on the 2nd floor, Central Library 12.00 - 2.00pm
• Rāapa / Wednesday 16 June
  Make a fish, make a star, make a flower! or create your own rock art. Join in the fun at the Raranga craft workshop
  Ngā Pounamu Māori Centre on the 2nd floor, Central Library 12.00 - 2.00pm
• Rāpare / Thursday 17 June
  Come and meet the stars of the Ngā Pounamu Māori Centre. Join the hikoi of the Māori Centre and find out what resources and services we have for you!
  and listen to the Library waiata group.
  Ngā Pounamu Māori Centre on the 2nd floor, Central Library 12.30 - 2.00pm
• Rāmere / Friday 18 June
  Are you an opera buff? Like a bit of Bob Marley? Check out the amazing talents of opera sensation Wiremu Winitana famed star of the Māori Merchant of Venice and award winning Ruia Aperahama, composer of What's the Time Mr Wolf
  Central Library Foyer, Central Library 12.00 - 2.00pm
• Rāhoroi / Saturday 19 June
  Come and visit our stand at Ngāi Tahu's WHIRI festival where we will refresh your body and feed your mind.
  Cathedral Square, 10.00am - 6.00pm