Matariki is a time for reflection and rejuvenation, a time to come together and be grateful for all we have. It is about whaanau and making strong connections.

This week our Matariki celebration evening brought together our centre whaanau, past and present families, as we celebrated whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and kotahitanga. What a beautiful evening of stories, laughter, sharing kai, toasting marshmallows, making beeswax wraps together, planting seeds and just being together. I even spy one of our whaanau taste testing the fry bread and trying not to get caught, can you see him?!

Hiwi e te rangi is the wishing star of Matariki and is connected with granting hopes and dreams for the coming year. Our wishing tree was popular where whaanau could write their wishes on a star and hang them on the wishing tree.

He aha te mea o te ao?

What is the most important thing in the world?

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata

It is the people, it is the people, it is the people