UnsplashThe nine stars of Matariki.
Rachel Karalus, chief executive of K’aute Pasifika, says that on the holiday “my aiga (family) will attend Maanawatia a Matariki at Hamilton Lake Domain, fun for all the aiga”.
On Saturday June 25 “we will seize the opportunity to visit Te Tui a Tane southern enclosure at Maungatautari reserve”.
“They are having a Matariki celebration and letting locals and volunteers in for free that day. We love the birdlife there.”
Tom Lee/StuffThe first Matariki public holiday will have an aiga (family) focus for K’aute Pasifika chief executive Rachel Karalus (file).
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Nepia Winiata, Te W?nanga o Aotearoa chief executive, says he’ll be using the day to connect with wh?nau, physically and spiritually.
The w?nanga itself is having a national Zoom-based get together on Thursday.
“As a Matariki kaupapa we are reflecting on the past, the current [time] and our new future beginnings,” Winiata said.
Anjum Rahman, co-lead at Inclusive Aotearoa Collective T?hono, was considering her options about the best way to mark the holiday. “It’s important to concentrate on the kaupapa and not commercialise the day. It’s a day that’s unique.”
A focus on the future and “where we’re going as a country” was also important.
Dominico Zapata/StuffAnjum Rahman says it’s important the Matariki holiday doesn’t become commercialised (file).
Hamilton Ukrainian community leader Yuriy Gladun said that, against the background of lots of protects and other activities related to the war in his homeland, he planned to take a break.
“It gives us [a] free day to take a rest.”
SUPPLIEDHamilton Ukranian community leader Yuriy Gladun will be glad for a day of rest on the Matariki holiday (file).
The Hamilton Central Business Association’s general manager Vanessa Williams was also eyeing some relaxation time. Where would she spend the day? “Probably over at Waih? Beach, depending.”
The focus would be on spending time with family, she said.
Kelly Hodel/StuffHamilton Central Business Association general manager Vanessa Williams is keen for a family break at Waihi Beach.
Waikato district’s mayor Allan Sanson and wife Trisha were already booked into a couple of events during the celebrations and there were possibly more to come.
“On the 24th we will be attending a Matariki celebration at Pokeno, where both iwi and the community will acknowledge Matariki through a number of ways, including food on that day.”
StuffWaikato District Council mayor Allan Sanson and his wife Trisha will be attending a Matariki celebration at Pokeno on June 24 (file).
Hamilton’s mayor Paula Southgate didn’t have plans for June 24 nailed down but was attending a celebration period opening and expected to go to other events too. For getting a good look at the stars “people should consider the zoo observatory during Matariki”, she said.
Tom Lee/StuffThe zoo is a good place to observe Matariki, says Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate (file).
