Stars to be reflected in festivities

• Published date: 23 June 2022

The celebration, presented by the Kahu Youth Trust with guidance from mana whenua, will take place at the Dinosaur Park and Roys Bay Reserve on Saturday

Kahu Youth operations manager Anna Booth said the day was about highlighting community.

‘‘It’s a really beautiful celebration to come together to celebrate Maori culture, have a hangi, listen to some great kapa haka and just celebrate the Maori New Year together with friends, whanau and community.’’

Kahu Youth social worker Samantha Strong said the day has been structured intentionally.

‘‘We’re celebrating the nine stars by pairing with some local community groups including WAI Wanaka, Te Kakano, Grow Wanaka as well as WAO.

‘‘They will be showcasing different activities that relate to the different stars in the Matariki constellation.’’

The first activity begins with a star map focused on Matariki, the central star in the cluster, representing people and wellbeing.

The nine activity stations have been chosen to reflect the constellation stars: Matariki, Pohutakawa (loss and reflection), Tipu-a-nuku (soil and food from the ground), Tipu-a-rangi (food grown above the earth), Waiti (fresh water), Waita (salt water), Waipuna-a-rangi (rain and frosts), Ururangi (air, wind and sky) and Hiwa-i-te-rangi (hope for the future).

Local community groups and businesses connected to the meanings behind the stars will run the stations.

Matariki volunteer Paul Tamati, who will be preparing the hangi to reflect...