Matariki celebrates new beginnings

Tuesday 31 May 2011

Christchurch looks to the stars and to new beginnings with Matariki celebrations throughout June.

Matariki, known as the Māori New Year, celebrates new beginnings with the appearance of a small but distinctive star cluster, the Pleiades or Seven Sisters, in the north-eastern pre-dawn sky in late May - early June.

Free events

Christchurch City Libraries will host free Matariki events themed around cloaks and weaving.

Matariki Storytime

Matariki Storytime begins Wednesday 1 June and continues throughout the month at various Christchurch City Council library locations. Storytime features rhymes, songs and take home craft activities for children aged two to four.

Parade and displays of cloaks

A visual feast of traditional and contemporary Māori garments will be shown by Ranui Ngarimu with a parade of garments at South Library on Saturday 4 June, 1pm and at New Brighton Library, Saturday 11 June, 1pm. The parade will illustrate the techniques, designs, methods and meanings of these beautiful garments.

Hornby, New Brighton, Spreydon and Bishopdale Libraries will showcase a collection of contemporary cloaks reflecting on traditions and values, from 4 - 10 June.

Short films

Christchurch City Libraries, South, New Brighton, Shirley and Hornby, will screen a collection of Māori content short films supplied with courtesy from the New Zealand Film Commission.

All Christchurch City Libraries Matariki events are free.

• For more information, including session dates, times and locations visit our Matariki page or phone 941-7923.

Matariki at the marae

Matariki events will also take place at Ngā Hau E Whā National Marae in Aranui with community evenings, special marae lights and a children’s kite making workshop.

The public are invited to come and learn about the significance of Matariki at one of four community evenings at the marae, 250 Pages Road, 5.30pm - 7.30pm on Tuesday 14 and 21 June and Thursday 16 and 23 June. Community evenings are free and include Kapa Haka performances, guest speakers, a parade of cloaks shown by Ranui Ngarimu, New Zealand short film screenings and a free cup of hot pumpkin soup. Children will be entertained with hands-on craft activities such as star weaving, star gazing and Kākahu Moemoea, a cloak of dreams and aspirations. Special marae lights will dazzle from Wednesday 8 – Sunday 18 June.

Linda Ngata of the Ngā Hau E Whā National Marae hopes to see many new faces at this year’s Matariki celebrations as a sign that Christchurch people are ready for a new start.

“Matariki is a signal of new growth, new beginnings and a time of change. It’s a chance to think of our future and reminds us to respect the land on which we live. Join us at the marae and celebrate our culture, spirit, language and people.” she said.

The marae will also host a kite-making weekend workshop for children aged 5 and over on Sunday 19 June, 10am – 1pm. Bookings are essential as spaces are limited. Call 941-7923.