A time to remember, to give thanks to the environment, and to plan for the future
Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki
Mānawa maiea te ariki o te rangi
Mānawa maiea te mātahi o te tau
Hail the rise of Matariki
Hail the lord of the sky
Hail the New Year.
How was the public holiday set, given there are varying factors as well as differing tribal practices? According to Dr Rangi Matamua, it was the common themes such as the Tangaroa phase of the lunar month, the Pipiri method, where they agreed to celebrate the Māori New Year and Matariki.
It has been Fridayised. So the closest Friday to the astronomical date is marked for our national celebration. It will shift accordingly. The decisions are made by the Matariki Advisory Committee made up of Dr Ruakere Hond of Taranaki, Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr from Waikato, Dr Pauline Harris of Ngāti Kahungungu, Victoria Campbell from Ngai Tahu; Jack Thatcher of Tauranga, Rereata Makiha from the far north and Te Arawa, as well as Dr Rangi Matamua, from Ngai Tuhoe.
Taking place from the library end of Bow Street through to the Wainui Road corner, Matariki ki Whāingaroa will be our first big community event in 2022. Starting from 4pm the opening ceremony by Matua Sean Ellison will include karakia, followed by a silent period of remembrance. We will pause to consider what we hope the forthcoming year will bring. Mcee Reiki Ruawai with supporting Mcees, Councillor Lisa Thomson and DJ Craig Mitchell, a Raglan Naturally Trustee, will hold your attention throughout the afternoon into the night. There is a programme of musicians, entertainment, storytelling, fire performers and free mic space for adlib talent. We welcome everyone to come down to share and reconnect as a community. Wrap up warm. Bring a cushion or your own chair. Pack a picnic, or buy kai from the food choices available.
This event came about through the collaboration and contribution from Whāingaroa Environment Centre, Raglan Lions Club, Raglan Naturally and the wider Whāingaroa community. The thoughts, ideas and kōrero started late last year, grew in the early months of 2022 and became a reality in March. Now that we have arrived at Matariki, which begins in the month of Pipiri (June and July) into the lunar phase of Tangaroa, the excitement is growing.This year is the first national public holiday celebrating Matariki. Throughout Māoridom, there is excitement of a holiday acknowledging Māori traditional and cultural practice that we can all share in.
If weather isn’t suitable for an outdoor event, the Raglan Town Hall, further up Bow Street, will be our indoor venue. Whatever happens, the event promises to be entertaining for all.
The working group will announce a change in venue on Friday 24 June through social media, Raglan Community Radio, emails and phone calls.
