Masterton celebrates Matariki for Maori Language Week

Tuesday, 5 July 2011, 3:29 pm
Press Release: Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc

MEDIA RELEASE – 5 July 2011

“Masterton celebrates Matariki for Maori Language Week”

8th July

Deborah Davidson says Matariki is one of those unique events which has the power to bring people together to inspire unity among the district’s various communities.

And that’s what she’s hoping for when Masterton hosts it’s Matariki festival on Friday 8 July.

She is the administrator for Kahungunu ki Wairarapa the organiser of the event.

“ It is wonderful to see young and old come together at this time to give thanks for the harvest and new year planting season during Maori Language Week”, she said.

The twilight event with kite flying and a karaoke concert will start about 4pm to “get everyone warmed up” for the entertainment Deborah said. Local performers include TVille Souljahs, the Upbeat Girls, The Mathews, Unidub Reggae and a presentation of original songs by youth composers. Ki Uta Ki Tai, a combined secondary schools kapa haka group tutored by Marama Fox will round out the stage entertainment. Toi Wairarapa, the community arts organisation for the region has organised the performers.

The event will end with a fireworks display .

This is the first year Deborah has organised Matariki and she is looking foreward to the celebrations.

“The fireworks display to Maori music is something the whole community will enjoy”, Deborah said.

“This is the sixth Matariki fireworks display this team has put on this year and they have done an amazing job. Last Friday in Wairoa thousands turned out and cheered through the show. It was fantastic”, she said.

“And it’s really a special event, we don’t have any problems, people are just there for the kaupapa and there to support the community and the kids who are performing.”

“This is one of those rare opportunities where Wairarapa gets to showcase it’s local talent, especially local music talent, it’s a whanau atmosphere where the whole community comes out to support Matariki, it’s awesome,” she said.

Hot food and craft stalls are on site. Locals are encouraged to dress warm and walk to the park. The free community event is funded by Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc, Te Puni Kokiri, Trust House and Masterton Creative Communities. Free entry. 4pm to 7pm, Marist Rugby Club, Trust House Memorial Park, Dixon St, Masterton. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MATARIKI

What is Matariki?

It is a small cluster of stars known as Pleiades Translated it means tiny eyes, or eyes of God. It appears in the western dawn skies from late May and stays until the end of June.

Why we celebrate it and when?

The first new moon after the rise of Pleiades signalled the end of the harvest. At this time food was plentiful and harvested for shortage to be eaten during the winter months.Kahungunu gathered to celebrate and give thanks for the harvest and to welcome the New Year planting season with ceremonial ritual, singing and feasting.

What traditions has Kahungunu revived for Matariki?

The blessing of fertility stones for food producers to bury in their fields, vineyards and orchards. The making and flying of traditional Maori kites. Maori games and tournaments including whai (string), kai makamaka (knuckle bones), tititorea (throwing sticks), mahi ringaringa (hand games) and poi and Ki-Orahi.

What traditions has Kahungunu revived within a modern context?

Kahungunu members return home for kinship. Give thanks for the harvest by sharing a meal with whanau, school and workplace. We honour the achievements of young and old. A large outdoor celebration in Kahungunu’s six taiwhenua, Wairoa, Te Whanganui A Orotu (Napier area), Heretaunga, Tamatea (Central Hawke’s Bay), Tamaki Nui A Rua and Wairarapa.

Do other iwi celebrate Matariki?

Each iwi celebrates Matariki with their own rituals and on different dates. Ngati Kahungunu celebrates Matariki from the first weekend in June to the second weekend in July.

ENDS

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