Mataraki - Maori New Year festivities continue

Matariki festivities: Te Papapa School's Matariki garden.

From City Scene, published on 5 July, 2009.

Auckland's regional Matariki Festival is in full swing, with Aucklanders celebrating the Maori New Year at many great events happening around the city from 24 June to 24 July.

This week's festival highlight is Manu Aute Kite Day - a chance for the whole family to celebrate Matariki as people have done for hundreds of years. Bring your own kite, try your hand at traditional Maori kite making or simply watch the giant kites in flight. You can also enjoy Maori crafts and stories and Kaumatua Kapa Haka streamed live from Te Papa.

The free Manu Aute Kite Day is on Saturday, 11 July, 10am - 4pm, at Takaparawha - Orakei Reserve, end of Kupe Street, Orakei.

Find the full Matariki Festival programme online at or call Auckland City Council.

Matariki garden blessing

Te Papapa School in Maungakiekie held their own Matariki festivities recently - with a blessing for their new Matariki garden (pictured) and a voluntary working bee the following day.

Te Papapa School have formally embraced sustainability since a wormfarm was installed last year, thanks to funding by Auckland City Council's Maungakiekie Community Board.

The council has been working with many schools providing education about worm farming and how to work towards zero waste - including what can and can't be recycled.

On the opening of their new garden, Auckland City Council waste minimisation contractor, Ron Sperber, who has been working closely with Te Papapa School, said:

"Matariki is a significant time in Te Ao Maori. It celebrates the start of a new year and new beginnings. What better time than to commemorate this special event with planting a garden.

"The garden will produce vegetables initially. The real seed being planted, however, is one that grows community, whanau, life skills and an immense sense of pride."

The garden was facilitated by Te Papapa School teachers, Kelly Wihongi and Gemma Adcock, after they put together a successful funding application to the Auckland District Health Board. Ron will now work with the students in developing the gardens, and helping them pass on their knowledge to new students.