Matariki is an ancient celebration that’s been connecting people across Aotearoa and the Pacific for millennia.

Here in Aotearoa, for Māori, the rising of Matariki in mid-winter marks the Māori New Year or Te Mātahi o te Tau. We would observe the brightness and visibility of the stars to predict how the year ahead would be. It is also a time to gather, to honour the dead, celebrate the present, and plan for the future. 

Thank you to Mrs Barnes who lent us her musical ear in preparation for the hui and Ms Hitchman for joining in over the term whilst learning Ti Rakau. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with these talented, committed tamariki over the past two terms, and have had some great fun, learning new games, phrases  words, waiata and challenging each other whilst accepting that things are not always easy and to have success, we need to put in the mahi. 

Ka pai.

Shelly Sanders - TIC