MĀNAWATIA A MATARIKI!
As the star cluster of Matariki rises in the northeast sky our small town is making plans to gather once again to celebrate, connect, reflect and commemorate. The public holiday for Matariki this year will be Friday 10th July, and the theme for the years national Matariki celebrations is “Matariki Herenga Waka – For Everyone”, focusing on unity and inclusion as we journey forward together. Friday morning begins with a dawn ceremony, and weather permitting, some stargazing around the brazier.Some of you may want to cast little notes into the flames, with things that you want to let go of written on them, or intentions for the year ahead; for me, I’ll be taking some funeral orders of service for those we have lost, to do a little goodbye to them, now that they have gone to the stars. It’s a beautiful way to begin the day, so we hope to see you there.Later, the children have their usual Star Hunt, starting at 2.30pm at The Bakehouse in Wakefield St, ending at the Anzac Hall. From 3pm there will be music, and activities you can join in with- this is our chance to connect and celebrate together, and there’ll be opportunities for writing out your ‘reckons’- your ideas for our wee town. You can also watch a movie, do some crafts, play some games, and then kai will be served at 4pm, and this time there’ll be vegetarian food available too.When your bellies are full, head on down to the mini fell railway- the Glow arts will be up with the brazier goingweather permitting of course- let’s hope Tāwhirimātea doesn’t make mischief for us!If you use Facebook do keep an eye on local pages, and on the Matariki Festival page itself, so you know what’s going on. There’ll be plenty of shout-outs for helping hands- putting up tables, peeling potatoes, making vegetarian food, helping with decor- so if you want to, come help a little, or simply help by coming along and just being part of our amazing Paetūmokai whānau
