Matariki - Māori New Year
Pipiri - June 2010
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.
Celebrate Matariki & Win!
To go into the draw to win a Waikawa filled with edible goodies tell us which Matariki mask (created by Christchurch City Council staff) is your favourite. Masks are on display in the Christchurch City Libraries' Flickr collection, and at Nga Hau E Wha National Marae on 15 & 17 June, 5:30-8pm.
Celebrate Matariki winners
Congratulations to the winners of the Matariki Mask voting competition, who each received a basket of goodies:
- Daniel Squire — online public vote winner
- Alexandra Gilbert — in-library public vote winner
The winning team mask was made by Digital Library Services. View an image of their winning mask.
