Hamilton City Council is inviting whaanau across the city to celebrate Matariki with a range of free events that honour the Maaori New Year.
Events range from bilingual storytime and reo-based activities, to museum talks, live entertainment, and community gatherings, each offering a different way to mark the rising of the Matariki star cluster.
At Te Koopu Maania o Kirikiriroa - Central Library, tamariki (children) can take part in Koorero Paki - a fun, interactive bilingual storytime in Maaori and English - running Tuesday 14 July, from 10.30am - 11.15am.
Reo Reehia - a playful Te Reo Maaori session to help build confidence with everyday vocabulary - is also at Te Koopu Maania o Kirikiriroa - Central Library on Thursday 9 July, 11am – midday and Tuesday 14 July, 1pm - 2pm.
Te Kete Aronui Rototuna Library is hosting Maanawatia a Matariki Storytime Concert on Saturday 11 July, 11.30am – midday, where all ages can enjoy a Maaori story of creation brought to life through music.
At Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery, maramataka (lunar calendar) expert Piripi Lambert will present a public talk called Matariki and Te Taiao on Friday 10 July, 2pm - 3pm. The talk will explore how the rhythms of the night sky shape the natural world, connecting the Maaori New Year, maramataka and te taiao (natural world) with the hidden insect world featured in the microsculpture exhibition.
The signature of this year's celebrations is the large city event - Maanawatia a Matariki. The event will transform Innes Common at Hamilton Lake into a vibrant hub of culture, connection and celebration on Friday 10 July, 3pm – 7pm. Bring your whaanau and friends along for live music, kapa haka, delicious kai, local markets and entertainment.
Council's Events and Activations Manager Chantelle Pettigrew said Maanawatia a Matariki is going from strength to strength every year.
“Matariki is an important opportunity for people to come together, reflect on the year that's been and look ahead with hope. It’s exciting to see so many Hamiltonians join the celebrations every year and the activities and performances we have lined up will make the night truly special,” said Pettigrew.
The full Maanawatia a Matariki event programme is available on Hamilton City Council’s website at hamilton.govt.nz/matariki.