Manukau Libraries are celebrating Matariki, the Maori New Year, throughout June and July.
Matariki story time, history talks, paper weaving, kite making, kapa haka performances, whakapapa and genealogy for beginners, a cartoon workshop, teen art competition and The Matariki Tiki Hunt are some of the great line-up of events on offer at various libraries.
Maori Services Librarian Raewyn Paewai encourages Manukau residents to join in the celebrations. “The Matariki events are a great opportunity for people to come together, acknowledge the past, honour the present, a time to learn, to share ideas and to celebrate the New Year ahead.”
About Matariki
Matariki is the Maori name for the group of stars also known as the Pleiades star cluster which appears in the pre-dawn sky in the last few days of May. Some people think of Matariki as a mother star with six daughters and it is often referred to as the Seven Sisters.
The pre-dawn rising of the star cluster Matariki is significant to Maori and is referred to as 'Te tau hou', the New Year.
Events
To check out all branch Matariki events taking place over the next 4 weeks, please view our events calendar.
Matariki Tiki Hunt for Kids
Help Manukau Libraries and the Amp’d Team find the Matariki Tiki. Solve the clues and be in to win great prizes! To find out more details and to register your interest, please view the Matariki Tiki Hunt page
Matariki Teen Art Competition
Be in to win some awesome prizes by creating an art piece that shows us what Matariki means to you! To download the registration form or for more information about the terms and conditions, please view the Matariki Teen Art Competition page.
Resources
Our libraries hold a number of resources for children and adults that offer more information about Matariki, and suggest ways in which people can celebrate it on a personal and community level. Our Māori Services Librarian has compiled a list of these resources, which can be found in the Pathfinders section of our Māori Services area. For a complete listing of these resources please view our Matariki pathfinder.