Matariki at Kāhui St David's
The rise of the Matariki star cluster in the winter skies above Aotearoa is an important time in the Māori calendar, as it signifies the start of the Māori new year.
Historically, new year celebrations provided the opportunity for whānau to come together to acknowledge the year gone by, prepare and plan for the year ahead; to celebrate with kai, kōrero, ceremony and entertainment. For a time, these celebrations were only acknowledged and celebrated by iwi, but at the beginning of the 21st century a cultural renaissance occurred, making knowledge of this special time of the year an important part of New Zealand’s history. Today, everyone in Aotearoa has the opportunity to celebrate the unique places we live in, show respect for the land we live on, and to share and grow together through traditions that continue each year, with the support of kaupapa (causes, initiatives) like Matariki.
Matariki Festival 2024 dates are from 29th June to 2nd July, beginning with a public holiday on Friday 28th June.
At Kāhui St David's we're seeing in the Matariki New Year early, with a free event for all - PAPA, this Saturday. Please see the event invitation below. It's here for us all to celebrate, together in the Great Hall, with hospitality to follow in the North Chapel.
Celebrate Matariki at Kāhui St David's with the Ōrakei Marae Weavers Group.
nspired by the model of our nationally-renowned World of Wearable Arts event, PAPA will showcase the cultural craft making and creativity of whānau and weavers.
A FREE event for communities across the Auckland region to come together for a memorable experience of music, performance, weaving, art and fashion.
Saturday 8th June, 2024, 1pm – 3pm.
Kāhui St David’s, 70 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton
Hospitality provided.
RSVP to contact@kahuistdavids.nz
This event is part of the 2024 Matariki Festival and is supported by Creative Communities Scheme and Auckland Council.
