Hato Paora College old boy, Māori astronomer and scholar Ahorangi Rangiānehu Mātāmua is this year’s New Zealander of the Year. Professor Mātāmua has dedicated much of his life to the revitalisation and resurgence of Matariki and has written widely about Matariki. He is regarded as one of the country’s foremost Māori scholars for his contribution Read more
Posts Tagged ‘Matariki’
Call for Matariki to be a public holiday
Monday, June 17th, 2019
Wellington’s mayor is calling for Matariki to become a public holiday. Justin Lester is suggesting the Māori New Year could replace the Queen’s Birthday holiday, which was not meaningful for many who saw it as just a day off. Last year Wellington City Council cancelled its 2018 Guy Fawkes Sky Show, moving the fireworks display Read more
Wellington Mayor supports Matariki replacing Queen’s Birthday holiday
Thursday, June 7th, 2018Wellington’s Mayor is throwing his weight behind calls for Matariki to become a public holiday. Mayor Justin Lester suggests the Māori New Year could replace the Queen’s Birthday holiday, which was not meaningful for many who saw it as just a day off. Continue reading
Celebrating Guy Fawkes a bit odd and vaguely anti-catholic
Monday, November 6th, 2017
As the 21st Century progresses and tensions between Catholics and Protestants fade, we’re left with children asking “Penny for the Guy”. Victoria University historian Grant Morris says that, although the Guy Fawkes celebration is now stripped of its original meaning, “it retains that anti-Catholic title.” He says it is a “bit odd” the celebration of Guy Fawkes continues Read more
A midwinter festival to raise money for St Mary of the Angels
Friday, May 1st, 2015
A multicultural celebration of midwinter is being planned as a fundraising event to contribute to, and draw attention to, the costs of the seismic strengthening of St Mary of the Angels. The theme will be the stars of midwinter: Ave Maris Stella – Matariki. Matariki is the Māori name for the seven-star constellation that rises Read more
Secular karakia slips through prayer blockade
Friday, June 28th, 2013
Keeping our nation free from antiquated religious influences is a thankless task but someone’s got to do it. Dr Pita Sharples, Maori Party Co-Leader, supported Kelston’s initiative saying that ‘schools have to reflect and respect the culture of our kids to make them feel welcome and connected’ and noting that karakia, ‘is a vital part Read more